SZ: On the Boards | September/October 2020

DESIGN

An Architect’s Home [Case Study]

Our fearless leader, Suzanne Zahr, has decided to demolish and build-new her own personal home - every Architect’s dream! As a design/build team, we thought it would be informative & fun to highlight certain design features, aspects of the permit submittal process, sustainable building systems and techniques, and much more, as we progress. Join us on this arduous but rewarding journey!

 

BUILD

Passive House vs Active House.

The world is changing at a rapid pace, and with it comes a pressing need for architecture to follow suit. Minimizing energy consumption throughout the lifecycle of a building, from construction to demolition has never been more of a priority for an industry that impacts so significantly on the environment.

Passive / Active House standards refer to built environments that are truly energy-efficient, comfortable, affordable, and ecological at the same time. Which methodology better suits your sustainable goals?

 

ICON (Illustration by Bijou Karman)

Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Advice for Living.

How fortunate I was to be alive and a lawyer when, for the first time in United States history, it became possible to urge, successfully, before legislatures and courts, the equal-citizenship stature of women and men as a fundamental constitutional principle. Feminists, caring men among them, had sought just that for generations. Until the late 1960s, however, society was not prepared to heed their plea.

What enabled me to take part in the effort to free our daughters and sons to achieve whatever their talents equipped them to accomplish, with no artificial barriers blocking their way? First, a mother who, by her example, made reading a delight and counseled me constantly to “be independent,” able to fend for myself, whatever fortune might have in store for me. Second, teachers who influenced or encouraged me in my growing-up years.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who served as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1993 to 2020, was the author, with Mary Hartnett and Wendy W. Williams, of the book “My Own Words,” from which this essay, published in the New York Times on October 1, 2016, is adapted.

 

COMMUNITY (logo by L+B Design)

Fed up? Outraged? Overwhelmed?

You’re not alone.

Established in 2020, O.SH!TT is born from one mother’s frustration, anger and a desire to scream out loud over the devastation caused by the pandemic, race/gender inequities, ongoing political corruption and the climate crisis, to name a few. Heartbroken, she sought solace and an opportunity to safely check-in, blow off steam and trade survival secrets with fellow moms she admired and trusted.

By simply creating the time and space, O.SH!TT invites all caring, beautiful and intelligent women to self-organize in small groups, garner strength and inspiration from one another (even in respectful disagreement), amplify their voices, and create a safe harbor of humor, hope and empathy in pursuit of a brighter future.

Third Thursdays, 5-8PM (location TBD by each small group organizer)

O.SH!TT encourages women near and far to safely self-organize in small groups. In solidarity, we will put aside the Third Thursday of each month to enjoy a welcomed break from the chaos around us. Who knows what ideas, influence and inspiration will emerge, once we meet up and get talking... We are stronger together, when we can be there for one another. Join the movement!

 

MOMENT OF INSPIRATION

Make Your Voice Heard - Vote!

Every election is determined by the people who show up.

Election Day, November 3rd, is fast approaching. Visit informative websites such as rockthevote.org and vote.org for knowledge of key dates and deadlines and review your voter registration status.

Washington is a vote-by-mail state with early voting beginning October 14th. If you prefer to cast your vote at a voting center, there will be local facilities 18 days prior to Election Day.

Planning to vote is key to voting successfully! Make sure you know if you can vote early and/or by mail and don’t miss the deadlines! If you’re voting on election day, be sure to think about your schedule for the day. Will you need to vote in the morning? After class? In the evening after work? Will you need a ride to the polls? Does your neighbor? Plan to research your candidates and make a list of who you want to vote for ahead of time. Plan to encourage everyone—your partner, co-workers, newly 18-year-old nieces and nephews—to get registered to vote. Plan to make your voice heard!

Due to COVID-19, more state are allowing vote by mail or absentee voting without an excuse. Check out your state’s requirements on what circumstances qualify someone to vote absentee. Additional information on how to vote by mail can be heard on the NPR Life Kit Podcast.

  • Find out if your state requires voter identification at the polls. Be sure that you have qualifying identification to vote on November 3.

  • Your state may have early voting (or voting in person before November 3). If so, it might be more convenient for you or a loved one to vote in advance.

  • Find out your polling location and make a plan to get there during polling hours.

  • Lastly, keep this number on hand: (866) OUR-VOTE. If you or someone you know is turned away or has trouble voting when I get to the polls on November 3, you can submit a complaint online or call the Election Protection Hotline!

Want to help even more people to vote? Check out some volunteer opportunities.