Six years ago, when couple Sherri Beier and John Nyagaka first crossed paths, they were immersed in vastly different careers. Sherri was working in events and operations at the Walker Art Center, while John thrived in the tech industry. However, beyond their professional lives, they shared a passion for real estate that would soon become the cornerstone of their journey together.
“Before we officially started our business, Masa Modern Homes, we were just two people dabbling in investment ventures,” Sherri explains. “We would buy duplexes and undertake small renovations – it was nothing major.”
Early on, Sherri decided to get her real estate license to make the couple’s own dealings easier and help some friends with their property sales.
“After a few projects, John and I both found that we had an aptitude for real estate and home design, which further piqued our interest in this industry.”
Inspired by this interest and creativity, Sherri enrolled in the Interior Design Program at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) to enhance her skills while simultaneously working on their first complete renovation — a small 400-foot home John had acquired before they met, affectionately known as "the shack."
With big dreams, the pair decided to tear down “the shack” and start from scratch, reveling in the hard work and learning experiences that came with it.
“Once ‘the shack’ was complete, we acquired additional properties to design and build, and John pursued his builder's contractor license. People also started coming to us for help with designing their homes and very quickly our ‘small’ side project was turning into a fully-fledged business,” Sherri says.
The couple recognized the potential to serve others seeking unique, modern homes, leading them to establish Masa Modern Homes in 2021. Named after a term fondly used by John’s family in Kenya, the firm focuses on creating designs that inspire and innovate.
Masa’s services have since diversified into three main offerings around the lakes and throughout the Twin Cities. Those include: “We can design and build a completely unique home, do design-only projects and serve as a real estate agent where I also offer my expert staging services,” Sherri says.
What sets them apart? Their commitment to authenticity.
Sherri and John are determined to bring something fresh to their community. They aim to design homes that exude character and uniqueness, and break away from the trends. Each of their projects, while maintaining a cohesive design language, stands distinct with its own charm.
“We take pride in creating spaces that challenge conventional aesthetics, striking a balance between bold choices and timeless elegance,” John says.
Adds Sherri, “And we have fun with each design. Every home is very different, and no matter if we are building from the ground up or redesigning an existing structure, each space will feel fresh. We really think of everything: from lighting, decor, layout, cabinetry and everything else that makes a home.”
She continues, “For instance, when developing homes in Minneapolis, we are passionate about thoughtfully laying every inch of the home to ensure no wasted space because we aren’t dealing with a ton of square footage. We have to make sure the flow of the home is extremely well thought out.”
John aptly articulated their mission: to think outside the box and take risks in a market that often favors the mundane. By providing design choices that resonate with individuality, they inspire homeowners to embrace their distinct styles.
A recent project of theirs, 2200 Drew Ave. S, showcases the pair’s eye for design.
“This was a full gut renovation, where we took an older luxury home and gave it the love it deserved,” Sherri says. “We added 1,000 square feet, kept the original mid-century window shapes but made them larger, brought in all new luxury features and materials, and kept some of the home's original features such as the roof line, open steel mono staircase and wood clad walls.”
Sherri continues, “It’s also important to note that for this project, but really any project, we work with a budget in mind. We do build expensive homes, but there are ways to spend wisely. We work with the client to help them choose where to go all out and where to cut back a little. It’s all about balance.”
In an industry where conformity is the norm, Sherri and John stand firm in their belief that your home should not only be a place to live but a genuine reflection of who you are. By helping people bring their unique visions to life, they’ve built more than just a business; they’ve made a community where creativity thrives. With each new project, they remain committed to their shared passion, reminding themselves that this journey, rooted in fun and collaboration, is just the beginning.
4406 Beard Ave. S | 612-812-2952 | masamodernhomes.com