Meet Muhammad Arar - Architect | PM.

November 29, 2024

Late summer, Muhammad Arar joined SZ Design | Build, as a licensed Architect and Project Manager. He comes to us with eight years of professional experience and is excited to take the lead on various projects, including the Origin Salon Spa in Redmond, WA. Muhammad’s organization, creativity and collaborative spirit contribute to our positive team and client experiences throughout SZ’s Design | Build process. We’re thrilled to welcome Muhammad on board!

Get to know Muhammad through his responses to a few ‘getting to know you’ questions...

Meet Delaney Carmen - Architectural Intern.

August 30, 2024

Earlier this summer, Delaney Carmen joined SZ Design | Build, as an Architectural Intern from the University of Washington - College of Built Environments. She is currently completing her summer internship before her new academic year begins later this month. During these very busy months, Delaney assisted in recording as-built field measurements, project programming, code research, space planning and schematic design presentations. As part of a Design | Build team, she also observed construction progress on various jobsites. In addition, Delaney has played a pivotal role in curating and installing artwork for our upcoming exhibition, Control Anatomy by Mahmoud Alhaj.

Delaney’s attention to detail, creativity and collaborative spirit contribute to our positive team and client experiences throughout SZ’s Design | Build process. We’re thrilled that Delaney has agreed to stay on part-time as our architectural intern, while back to school. Can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next.

Get to know Delaney through her responses to a few ‘getting to know you’ questions...

Mercer Island Waterfront Home

April 12, 2020

Ever wonder if it is better to substantially remodel and/or add-on to your existing home, rather than sell and buy another? Real estate values have gone up considerably, and in our current seller's market, it's the buying-back-in that can be costly if it's not timed just right.

Considering the resources involved in the design, permitting, & construction process, is it worth it to leverage the appreciation gained in your current house and transform it into your dream home?

The simple answer is: It depends. Each property is unique, and each family is different. The best thing to do is explore all options and make informed decisions with the help of your professional real estate, design, & build community.

We ventured down this decision-making path with our Mercer Island clients.. They purchased a lovely 1,800 SF lakefront home, but it didn't meet their family's personality & lifestyle. They selected Suzanne Zahr as their Architect to help lead them down a path of discovery that would ultimately result in their 4,500 SF dream home. With each phase of the design process, new insights were creatively explored and considered.

Leschi Residence: Remodel or Rebuild?

December 4, 2019

When considering whether to remodel or rebuild your home, several factors come into play: How old is the property? What other additions have been done to the home? And most importantly, how do you envision living in your dream home?

We began working with our clients in the Leschi neighborhood of Seattle in the Fall of 2016, and the project morphed from what was originally a remodel into a remodel, rebuild, and addition.