Marc Vassallo’s book “Little House in the City: Designing Small Within City Limits”, explores urban homes and ADU’s as a smart response to demographic trends. As cities continue to swell, some individuals are taking a new approach to housing by decreasing square footage and adding attached dwelling units. The appeal of smaller homes touches on the pressing issues of affordability, sustainability and conviviality.
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Each year SZ Build performs a hand full of home remodels. These jobs are loads of fun, and the highlight is working with the owners to help them envision their new living space. Throughout the process, it’s not uncommon for clients to bring materials and design elements to the table (and in fact, we encourage it). But what is uncommon is when a client introduces us to a new material I haven’t worked with, especially when that material is as iconic as Heath Ceramics.
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“To make peace in the world” - the motto of artist couple Mehdi and Monir Ghanbeigy. This is the second year their work has been showcased at the SZ Gallery, and I feel honored they make time to be an artistic part with the Mercer Island community.
The work of Mehdi and Monir is unique. If you caught the Persian Garden last year, then you saw the impact their artistry had on the community: vibrant sculptures, decorative plates, and traditional Persian form (miniature), with a modern bent, enraptured the audience. This year was no different.
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It’s with great pleasure that we welcome Christo Doko, Master Craftsman & newest member of the SZ family. Below is a brief Q&A offering insights Christo’s background and recent journey to the US.
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Having recently joined a pottery studio and working with clay, there is always an element of the unexpected. I’ve explored unforeseen creative events, capturing ‘happy accidents’—highlighting imperfections. This has led me to examine artistic philosophies, creative guidelines and influences in the pursuit of perfect imperfection. So, how do we encourage happy accidents? Here are four guidelines from highly respected artists whose advice has withstood the test of time.
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