SZ: On the Boards | WINTER 2023

DESIGN

Rock & Roll Retreat: Seattle Penthouse

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?

BUILD

SZ Build Series - Episode 4: Structural Framing

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 PM

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.

ARTISTS’ RECEPTION

WOMEN: Then & Now

by Monir & Mehdi Ghanbeigy

Join us for an inspiring evening of reflection & unity.

WHEN: Thursday, February 9, 5-8PM
WHERE: SZ Gallery
2441 76th Ave SE, Suite 160, Mercer Island, WA

A depiction of women in Iran and of the world - those who have nurtured humankind throughout history with unlimited love and affection, yet aren’t allowed a full voice and presence in the world.

COMMUNITY - photo courtesy of Ewing & Clark

Suzanne Zahr, Chair of MI Design Commission

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.

From the City of Mercer Island’s website, the board's mission is “to promote quality community design and enhance construction and maintenance practices that will create an aesthetically attractive, easily accessible, and economically healthy environment throughout Mercer Island.”