During her second term, on November 2, 2022, Suzanne Zahr was voted in as Chair of the seven Design Commissioners for Mercer Island. As an architect with civil engineering background, Suzanne fills one of the seats as a professional member. She has established a Design/Build firm on Mercer Island, bringing over 25 years of experience that includes time with NBBJ, Olson Kundig, Starbucks, and Amazon (as an IA consultant). She is excited to continue providing her expertise in design and architecture through this volunteer position.

Established in 1972, the Design Commission board is a group of volunteers who each serve for four years. Each commissioner is confirmed by the majority vote of the City Council. The Design Commissioners serve as an advisory board to City Council, providing expert advice on design matters related to the City’s commercial buildings in the Mercer Island Town Center.

On August 31, 2021, the City Council confirmed Suzanne Zahr as one of the seven Design Commissioners for Mercer Island for a second term. As an architect with civil engineering background, Suzanne fills one of the seats as a professional member. She has established a Design/Build firm on Mercer Island under her name and SZ Build, bringing over 20 years of experience that includes time with NBBJ, Olson Kundig, Starbucks, and Amazon (as an IA consultant). She is excited to continue providing her expertise in design and architecture through this volunteer position.

Established in 1972, the Design Commission board is a group of volunteers who each serve for four years. Each commissioner is confirmed by the majority vote of the City Council. The Design Commissioners serve as an advisory board to City Council, providing expert advice on design matters related to the City’s commercial buildings in the Mercer Island Town Center.