Season’s Greetings!

Just after sunset this evening, the two largest planets in our solar system appear closer to each other than they have in more than 800 years - though still 400 million miles apart, as they each circle the sun in their individual orbits. What makes the Great Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn, so rare is not the passing of these celestial giants (occurs every 20 years or so), but rather our unique vantage point from here on Earth.

For the first time in centuries, Jupiter and Saturn will be shining brightly in the Southwestern night sky, away from the gaze of the sun, making this momentous passing possible for us to see with our own eyes - no equipment necessary. This chance meeting also takes place on a significant day for us in northern hemisphere, the winter solstice, marking it the shortest day (or longest night) of 2020.

As this difficult year comes to a close, I found this auspicious alignment hopeful. Though we’re separated physically and coping with darker days, we’re aligned, together, in our refreshed perspective with gratitude and caring for each other, as we gaze into the night’s sky.

Wishing you and yours a healthy & happy holiday season!

Suzanne Zahr, Owner & Principal Architect

SZ Gives.

Mercer Island

MInext - Support Small Businesses

6 ways you can help small businesses right now for $0.00:

1. Write a Positive Review
2. Tell your friends and family
3. Follow them on Social Media
4. Engage (like and/or comment) with their posts
5. Give them a shoot out (a 15sec call to say thank you)
6. Sign up for their newsletter, if they have one

Bonus, but non-free Purchase gift cards that can be used later on.

Support Artists

Visual Activism: PICHA - SKIN

Suzanne also runs an art gallery out of her storefront, which has featured the work of many local and international artists, including critically acclaimed African photographers associated with PICHA. PICHA is an online digital marketplace that works with businesses that want to include diversity in their marketing strategy. Their contributors include Africans and African Americans.

SZ Gallery has aired (IGTV + FB) an exclusive interview with PICHA Founder, Josiane Faubert along with other artists exhibited during the pandemic. The beauty of these Virtual Art Openings is that you can watch them anytime, enjoy!

Beirut Blast

Offrejoie - Rebuilding Beirut

On Tuesday, August 4th, a massive blast rocked Beirut's port when tons of improperly stored ammonium-nitrate were ignited by a fire in the storage facility. Within 24 hours of the explosion the death toll already numbered more than 130 people, approximately 5,000 injured and hundreds of thousands left homeless. This man-made disaster also came at a time of ongoing political and deep financial crisis in the tiny nation that is also home to the world's largest per-capita population of refugees, my Palestinian family included.

The Lebanese are resilient but also exhausted. Beirut is broken, more than ever before. They need help from our international community. Please lend your support in any way you are able.

We’d love to hear from you!

Thank you for supporting our small business throughout the years. We look forward to learning more about your anticipated Design/Build residential or commercial project.