Together by Juliana Kang Robinson

May 17, 2023

The SZ Gallery has the distinct privilege of exhibiting one of Juliana Kang Robinson’s more recent works of art, Together. This stunning 48”x76”x2” painting is made with Acrylic on Birch and draws you in upon initial glance. We invite you to the SZ Gallery to see this delightful piece first-hand.

Artist’s Note:

My focus as an artist is to deepen my studio practice and fully engage in creating work that embodies the spirit of unity or HanSan, Korean for "One Mountain." HanSan is the holistic notion that the whole is more than the sum of its parts. A mountain is more than simply soil, plants and rocks just as we people are stronger when unified and rooted together.

My goal is to create visual representations of this concept of HanSan or Togetherness that spur viewers to ponder the beautiful yet complexway that different parts can come together to unify and elevate us beyond the self.

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Rock & Roll Retreat: Seattle Penthouse

February 7, 2023

In addition to actively listening to our clients, our design team gains great insights in reading responses to our Programming Questionnaire. They reveal deeper notions of family dynamics, individual personalities, lifestyles and goals. This tool helps us get to know those whom we’re serving more personally, so that we can move forward aligned with their values and convictions.

Take, for instance, our charming client from California, who asked us to revamp his penthouse condo overlooking Puget Sound sunsets in Seattle. When asked to select key words that describe his values, he responded with heartfelt terms as Sanctuary, Beauty, Creativity, Healing and Balance. How wonderful. The SZ Design Team was charged to create a welcoming place for self-reflection, safety, growth and belongingness.

But, the Programming didn’t end there. Delightfully, our client also shared with us his love of music, live performance, production and the display of his vast rock & roll memorabilia. Suddenly, an energetic, creative, almost rebellious, vibe emerged, in stark contrast to the calm retreat initially imagined.

So, how do we find the balance between these seemingly disparate worlds?

SZ Build Series - Episode 4: Structural Framing

February 6, 2023

As a Design | Build team, SZ Build offers the unique advantage of leading projects from inception to completion. We thought it would be fun to share in this gratifying process, as we launch our SZ Build Video Series. Through these construction vignettes, we’ll give you a sneak peak into the sequencing and technical prowess of our rockstar subcontractors, as our designs come to life!

Our current episode features the structural framing of a new Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (DADU) on Mercer Island. You’ll see how our framing crew swings curved glulam beams to support the anticipated planted roof. We build for the beauty, durability and longevity of our homes.

Meet Tommy Johnsen - Construction Project Manager

February 6, 2023

Last Fall, Tommy Johnsen joined SZ Design | Build, bringing a diverse set of skills as a Project Manager to our multi-disciplinary team. He has worked in construction, I.T., media, and emerging industries and is presently managing ~4MM in active construction projects with a total portfolio of ~6MM (including projects in design and warranty). His role focuses on estimating, scheduling, sub-contractor coordination, client relations and generally bringing SZ’s architectural & interior designs to life.

Get to know Tommy through his fun & insightful responses to a few interview questions below.

What’s the most exciting part of your job?

Building relationships with trade partners and having the opportunity to leverage those resources to accomplish complex building projects is an incredibly rewarding aspect of the work I do.