Across the Greater Puget Sound region, a quiet transformation is reshaping our neighborhoods. New housing laws, evolving family needs, and changing lifestyles are creating opportunities for homeowners to think differently about their properties.

One of the most exciting, and often misunderstood, opportunities is the Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit, or DADU: a thoughtfully designed cottage home that can provide space for family, create rental income, support aging in place, or simply offer greater flexibility for the future.

But where do you begin?

Can your property accommodate a DADU? What do local zoning regulations allow? How much does it cost? What does the design and permitting process look like? And how do you create a backyard home that enhances both your property and your neighborhood?

These are exactly the questions we explore in Do You DADU?, a new podcast from SZ Design | Build.

Hosted by architect Shakiba Ahmadi, this eight-part series brings together the practical expertise of our women-led design-build team to demystify every stage of the DADU journey. Drawing on decades of experience in architecture, land use, and construction, we share thoughtful conversations, expert insights, and real-world guidance to help homeowners make confident, informed decisions.

Whether you're just beginning to explore the possibilities or you're ready to take the next step, Do You DADU? will give you the knowledge, inspiration, and clarity to unlock the potential of your property.

New episodes premiere every Thursday at 10:00 AM PST, beginning July 9, 2026.

Join us as we explore the future of thoughtful backyard living, one conversation at a time.

Ep. 1 : BACKYARD POTENTIALS | Releasing July 9, 2026 @ 10AM PST

Episode #1: BACKYARD POTENTIALS | Can Your Property Do More?
Release Date: 7/9

Every property has a story, and hidden potential. We explore how new housing opportunities are transforming neighborhoods across the Greater Puget Sound and how to determine whether your property is a candidate for a DADU. Learn what a DADU is, why they're becoming increasingly popular, and how they can support multigenerational living, rental income, aging in place, or simply a more flexible way of living.

Episode #2: FEASIBILITY | Can You Actually Build a DADU?
Release Date: 7/16

Not every property is the same. We break down zoning regulations, site conditions, utilities, topography, setbacks, budget, and permitting considerations to understand what is, and isn't, possible before investing in design.

Episode #3: DESIGNED AROUND LIFE | Creating a Home That Fits the Way You Live.
Release Date: 7/23

Good design begins with listening. Explore how thoughtful architecture transforms constraints into opportunities, creating cottage homes that are beautiful, functional, and tailored to your lifestyle, family, and long-term goals.

Episode #4: BUILDING YOUR DADU | From Drawings to Move-In Day.
Release Date: 7/30

What really happens after the design is complete? We walk through permitting, contractor coordination, budgeting, scheduling, construction, and the realities of bringing a backyard home to life.

Episode #5: BUILT TO LAST | Smart Sustainability for Everyday Living.
Release Date: 8/6

Sustainability isn't just about solar panels. Discover practical ways to improve comfort, reduce operating costs, increase resilience, and create healthier homes through thoughtful design and construction.

Episode #6: BEYOND THE BACKYARD | Understanding Unit Lot Subdivisions.
Release Date: 8/13

As Washington's housing landscape evolves, unit lot subdivisions are creating exciting new possibilities. Learn how they work, when they make sense, and how they can unlock long-term flexibility and property value.

Episode #7: DEATH & TAXES | The Conversations Every Homeowner Should Have.
Release Date: 8/20

Perhaps the most important conversation of the season. We explore estate planning, inheritance, taxation, financing, insurance, ownership structures, and the financial decisions that can affect your property for generations.

Episode #8: HOW WE DADU | Inside the SZ Design-Build Process.
Release Date: 8/27

Go behind the scenes with our women-led design-build team to see how we guide homeowners through every stage of the journey, from the first conversation to feasibility, design, permitting, construction, and beyond. Discover why listening, collaboration, and creative problem-solving are at the heart of everything we do.

Should You DADU? Just ask…