Black Artists, Thinkers & Change-makers.

June 30, 2020

In this time of crisis, we want to direct your attention to charities that are doing great work supporting black artists, thinkers, and change-makers. Please take a moment to learn about the following organizations:

LANGSTON is a non-profit arts organization, established in 2016 to lead programming within the historic Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute. LANGSTON guides generative programs and community partnerships that center Black art, artists and audiences and honor the ongoing legacy of Seattle’s Black Central Area. We support a variety of enriching programs, across multiple disciplines, rooted in our mission and values.

BLACK ARTISTS + DESIGN GUILD is building a more equitable and inclusive creative culture by advancing a community of independent Black artists, makers and designers in creative industries. We are committed to honoring our ancestral legacy in design, by taking ownership of our narrative, and by creating spaces to celebrate Black excellence and culture in design.

BLACK ARTS FUTURES FUND aims to:
1. Grow emerging philanthropists by providing a structured community to understand the importance of generous contributions to community-centered artists and arts & culture organizations
2. Provide impactful general operating grants to those organizations in an effort to stabilize, validate, introduce to future philanthropists, and support the future of their work.

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.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Resources

April 11, 2020

Never before have we been more socially distant and united than during this public health crisis. This novel coronavirus has swept the globe and left a wake of devastation in its path. As we venture forward, together, during these uncertain times, I wanted to pause and send my quiet prayers to those directly impacted. These are not easy times, as many are already suffering physically, financially and emotionally.

I’m also struck with an immense sense of gratitude for our SZ Team during this transition, while working remotely and taking care of their families. Their dedication, flexibility and patience carry us through, as we continue to serve our design/build community. We’re very fortunate to be able to continue our design work, as we do or part to protect our most vulnerable. Thank you to our clients’ for your continued trust and support.

Due to the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order by WA Governor Jay Inslee, all of our active construction sites have been temporarily shut down or postponed, until it’s deemed safe to return. Behind the scenes, SZ Build is readying our jobsites by lining-up key sub-contractors, procuring long-lead materials, and generally mitigating the overall impacts our delayed delivery schedule may have to our valued clientele.

As a small business, the SZ Team works with many clients, consultants, sub-contractors and artists who are also managing their own firms. To our beloved colleagues and collaborators, here are a few actions that may help.

SKIN Exhibition: Virtual Art Opening - 04.03.2020

April 10, 2020

SZ Gallery features a display of talented photographers selected during PICHA’s annual call to artists. This year’s topical theme is SKIN.

Apart from the roles we play in our communities and the traditions we've inherited from the past, what does it mean to be an African today? Who are we once we are stripped of the expectations, the prejudices, and the assumptions? What makes us African?

First Friday, April 3 at 5PM: Virtual Art Opening of SKIN - The Exhibition. SZ Gallery will premiere (IGTV + FB) an exclusive interview with PICHA Founder, Josiane Faubert. Join us & meet the Artists!

The beauty of this Virtual Art Opening is that you can enjoy it anytime, enjoy!