Made with Soul, Designed with Intention: The World of Raisa Imar Ortiz of CASARIO Design
- laurie2769
- Nov 3
- 3 min read
Stepping into a CASARIO Design interior is like entering a space infused with intention. A subtle pulse seems to follow the rhythms of daily life, while every color, texture, and detail feels both purposeful and effortless. It’s the hallmark of Raisa Imar Ortiz, the Miami-based interior designer whose work blends tropical luxury with deep emotional resonance.
Roots in Paradise
Raised in the vibrant landscapes of Puerto Rico, Imar Ortiz grew up surrounded by color, music, and the cadence of daily life that would later shape her design sensibility. From an early age, she was drawn to storytelling, experimenting across art, fashion, and architecture. “I’ve always lived in my imagination,” she says. “Design gave me a way to bring that world to life, to create spaces people can touch, feel, and truly inhabit.” Her upbringing instilled an appreciation for culture and a natural instinct for narrative, now qualities that underpin every CASARIO Design project.
A Path Defined by Curiosity
Raisa’s journey into interior design was unplanned but inevitable. Fifteen years ago, a friend asked her to design a restaurant in their hometown. That project brought together structure, beauty, and logic in a way that felt both natural and thrilling. Since then, Raisa has built her reputation not by following trends but by following curiosity, both hers and her clients’. She believes every project should be inspired by the people living in the space: their stories, rhythms, and values, rather than fleeting dictates of style.
Design as Storytelling
Every CASARIO Design project begins with a thoughtful dialogue. Raisa delves deeply into her clients’ lives, what excites them, their routines, and non-negotiables, before developing a concept rooted in history, materiality, and function. “Design is not just how a space looks,” she explains. “It’s how it moves, how it lives, and most importantly, how it makes people feel.” The result is a tailored, thoughtful interior, never recycled, where every detail contributes to a home that tells a story.
Aesthetic with Soul
CASARIO Design’s aesthetic is contemporary but always soulful. The studio blends raw and refined elements, minimalism with bold textures, and modern silhouettes with handcrafted artistry. Raisa embraces contrast, such as juxtaposing unexpected colors, mixing textures, and pairing European and Spanish architectural influences with Japanese minimalism. Inspiration comes from fashion, film, and architecture, striking at any moment.
“I move through the world with a certain boldness, drawn to beauty and the pulse of life in all its richness,” says Raisa. While the firm’s philosophy is apparent in every home her studio touches, each project is a harmonious blend of tropical elegance, contemporary minimalism, and emotional storytelling, designed to stand the test of time.
Guided by Values
At the heart of CASARIO Design’s philosophy are intentionality, respect, curiosity, excellence, and authenticity. Every decision, from material selections to overall concepts, is deliberate and purposeful to the overarching design. Respect extends to clients, tradespeople, and the creative process; curiosity drives the team to dig deep while staying playful; excellence manifests in meticulous attention to detail and seamless experiences; authenticity ensures that both Raisa and her clients remain true to their vision, helping determine the right fit for every project.
Timeless Interiors, Personal Legacies
Today, CASARIO Design is recognized for delivering luxurious, one-of-a-kind interiors worldwide, all rooted in Raisa’s Puerto Rican heritage and her relentless pursuit of refinement. Every space tells a story through color, texture, and form.creating not just homes, but experiences—spaces that move, inspire, and endure.
A CASARIO Designed interior invites you into a world of quiet intention, where every detail speaks to thoughtful craftsmanship and refined beauty. Each project reflects a lifestyle that is elevated yet effortless, with spaces offering a sense of calm and connection.
In the heart of Miami, Raisa’s work stands as a respite from the ordinary, with immersive environments that reflect the beauty of thoughtful living. With CASARIO Design, every home becomes a sanctuary of timeless elegance and soulful luxury, crafted with intention, shaped by imagination, and designed to be felt as much as seen.
Website: casariodesign.com
Instagram: @CASARIODesignStudio
Facebook: CASARIO Design Studio
Photography Credits:
Project: Kris Tamburello
Headshot: The Essence Label
Styling: CASARIO Design, Lazaro Arias with Senses Unleashed