During a recent visit to the Northeast over the holidays, I stopped by the Farmhouse Pottery’s showroom in Hanover, New Hampshire. I was drawn in by the handmade simplicity and true authenticity of each handcrafted piece. I ended up bringing home a large ‘yellowware’ pitcher which I now keep at my desk, occasionally filled with fresh flowers. Such balanced, tactile works make me smile and remind me to slow down and appreciate life in each inspired detail.
Read More
Little House in the City: Designing Small Within City Limits
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.
Read More
Heath Ceramics - Bay Area icon meets Seattle
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.
Read More
Persian Garden - To Make Peace in the World
“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.
Read More