Suzanne Zahr Chair of MI Design Commission

February 3, 2023

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.

Mercer Island Rotary: International Dance for Peace

September 18, 2022

In celebration of the International Day of Peace, the Rotary Club of Mercer Island is hosting an All Island International Dance Party.

WHEN: Sunday, September 18, 2022 03:00 PM - 05:00 PM
WHERE: Mercer Island Community & Event Center
8236 SE 24th St, Mercer Island, WA 98040, USA

Everyone is welcome for an all-ages afternoon community dance. Dessert, drinks, and fun! Meet new people, and gather with neighbors for a world music dance party and benefit, for peace in Ukraine and around the world.

Tying in with the 18 peace poles that Rotary members placed around the Island in recent years — emblazoned with the sentiment of “May Peace Prevail” on Earth in 14 world languages — SZ signed up to be world languages table sponsors in Arabic. ليكن السلام سائدا على الأرض

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SZ unequivocally supports the right to safe & legal abortions

July 1, 2022

It’s been a week since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the landmark case that had guaranteed the right to an abortion since 1973. This is an unprecedented attack on women’s rights and reproductive freedom. Every person who can become pregnant deserves reproductive autonomy. Our firm unequivocally supports the right to safe and legal abortions.

We are actively listening to advocacy groups working towards protecting these rights and pledging sustained contributions to organizations that provide reproductive healthcare. Because the Supreme Court’s ruling disproportionately harms Black, Brown, and other people impacted by systemic inequities, SZ is supporting groups that serve vulnerable communities. We respect the personal choice of each sovereign individual, and believe that abortion access should be a fundamental right, regardless of race, gender, identity, economic status, or location.

The Court’s hostile ruling makes it clear that other freedoms are at risk. There is too much at stake for silence or inaction. We urge you to use your voice, resources and vote to stand against oppression in all its forms.

*MERCER ISLAND LIVING* - December 2021
Written by Elizabeth McCabe (abridged version)
Photos by Jennifer Witz (unless otherwise noted)

Meet your Neighbor: Say Hello to Suzanne Zahr

December 15, 2021

BUILDING COMMUNITY AND MAKING CONNECTIONS

“In many ways, I think of myself as a community builder,” said Mercer Island resident Suzanne Zahr, who has lived here for the past decade. “In being so, I find that my personal and professional lives mesh together sometimes.”

Suzanne, an architect and general contractor, has a storefront in the Town Center that has a front-end art gallery that she described as a vein to the local community. The projects that she design-builds also serve to connect others.

“I contribute to Mercer Island as a literal and figurative community builder,” she said. “That’s just who I am personality-wise. I love bringing people together, whether socially or by building teams professionally.” During the pandemic, Suzanne reached out in support of fellow business owners and working moms trying to make it through.

Suzanne credits her warm feelings of building community to her heritage. She explained, “My Lebanese/Palestinian roots and family upbringing instilled in me a sense of hospitality and cultural diversity. I’ve strived to be a warm and welcoming neighbor, friend and colleague, by hosting art receptions, fundraisers or social gatherings in my home and office/gallery. I also actively look for opportunities as a community leader, to ensure all voices are respected and heard. I will continue to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in our community, ensuring a safe, soulful and loving outcome for us all.”

Suzanne’s quest for community also extends to her love for horses, which she found through her daughter.

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