SZ: On the Boards | WINTER 2026

DESIGN | BUILD

Realtors Private Tour: Architect's Home + DADU

CALLING ALL REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS! Enjoy a private tour of an Architect’s new home on Mercer Island.  Perched uphill from her recently built DADU Guest House, Suzanne Zahr’s beautiful 3,300 SF family home is organized around a featured ‘spine wall’ running North-South, paying homage to an indigenous rammed earth building methodology.  

A split ridge roof with clerestory windows is seated above, allowing for natural light to travel through the main living areas from dawn to dusk. Thoughtful site orientation and efficient space planning enable passive solar design to maximize heat retention and minimize energy use, which ultimately offers a general sense of ambient well-being.

Downhill, the Guest House is nestled into the hillside, opening towards Western sunsets and views. With one bedroom, one bath, two sleeping lofts and a sleeper sofa, this tiny home can accommodate 6 guests comfortably. Finishes have been selected to express an earthy-modern vibe, approachable yet sophisticated. Artisanal tilework is woven into a finish palette of natural stone, concrete and wood. Warm lighting is accented by sculptural pendants and controlled with integrated smart-home technology. A ‘green roof’ blankets this Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (DADU), keeping it warm on cool nights and temperate on sunny days. Cozy, but uncompromised.

BEEMER SMART HOME will be on site to showcase the Control4 bells & whistles!

We design and build for the beauty, durability, and longevity of our homes.

YA HALA

Ep. 1: Suzanne Zahr, Architect, Creator of Spaces

First episode of the Ya Hala Qahwa Talks, where we interview members of our community in an effort to create stronger community intimacy. We kick off this series with an conversation between Suzanne & Hala, highlighting the inspiration behind Suzanne’s Design | Build firm, along with her approach to creating spaces that promote self-expression, community and well-being.

SZ GALLERY

PERSIAN GARDEN by Monir & Mehdi Ghanbeigy.

SZ Gallery’s 5th Persian Garden is an exhibit that tells culturally rich stories of Persian culture through contemporary and classically-influenced pieces. Monir & Mehdi Ghanbeigy from Iran have created multimedia artwork together since 1970, combining Mehdi’s detailed work with Persian miniatures and painting, Monir’s background in ceramics, and their mutual love for the history of Persian art.

Monir and Mehdi began working together in Iran before they moved to England for further training at London and Canterbury College of Art. After returning to Iran in 1980, they developed a novel style in ceramics and painting, influenced by both modern art as well as the very rich traditions of Persian pottery and storybook miniatures. They have shown their art at numerous national and international exhibitions, including the 2012 Venice Biennial, and have taught for many years at several universities in Iran and in their private workshop. Their pieces are permanently on exhibit at the Contemporary Art Museum in Iran, as well as several museums around the world.  

DESIGN

Should I Stay or Should I go?

Ever wondered 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 real estate 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 recently ventured down this decision-making process 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 an informed "go / no-go" decision.

With each phase of the design process, new insights were creatively explored and considered. Here's a brief summary of our collaborative journey with our clients in creating their 4,500 SF dream home.