Realizing the vision.
The SZ Design | Build* method is based on the venerable concept of The Master Builder, who accepted the full responsibility of designing and constructing a project from inception to completion.
1. Pre-Design – Fact-finding Mission: identify clear project goals.
2. Schematic Design – Playtime: explore creative design solutions
3. Design Development – Focus: scope, vibe, budget & schedule.
4. Permitting – Approvals: acquire necessary permits to build.
5. Construction Documents – Homestretch: devil's in the details.
6. Pre-Construction – Tendering: construction budget & schedule.
7. Construction – Realizing the Vision: on time & within budget.
8. Project Turnover – Cheers!
* SZ Build, Inc. is a licensed, insured & bonded GC: your one-stop shop!
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!
SZ BUILD SERIES - Episode9: The DADU
Mercer Island, WA
This 750sf Guest House on Mercer Island is nestled into the hillside, as it opens 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. Its live-roof blankets this Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (DADU), keeping it warm on cool nights and absorbs the heat on sunny days. Cozy, but uncompromised. We build for the beauty, durability and longevity of our homes.
SZ BUILD SERIES - Episode8: Interior Design & Finishes
Mercer Island, WA
This 750sf Guest House on Mercer Island is nestled into the hillside, as it opens 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. Its live-roof blankets this Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (DADU), keeping it warm on cool nights and absorbs the heat on sunny days. Cozy, but uncompromised. We build for the beauty, durability and longevity of our homes.
SZ BUILD SERIES - Episode7: The Green Roof
Mercer Island, WA
In our current episode, Suzanne shares her appreciation for site integration when it comes to the curved roofline of this Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (DADU) on Mercer Island. Located downhill of the future Main House, this DADU roofline serves as an extension of the uphill landscape. This live roof acts as a warm blanket of added insulation over the 750 SF Guest House below. The plant varietals specified minimize the stormwater runoff into Lake Washington, while creating a thriving habitat for pollinators promoting a healthier natural environment. What a pleasure it will be observing this rooftop change color and texture through the PNW seasons. We build for the beauty, durability and longevity of our homes.
SZ BUILD SERIES - Episode 6: Insulation & Flooring
Mercer Island, WA
In our current episode, Tommy features the insulation and concrete floor finishing. Concrete is a finish material usually associated with the outdoors. Watch how it is sanded, stained and polished to perfection. We’ll also tour you through the advantages of using closed-cell sparyfoam and Rockwool insulation. We build for the beauty, durability and longevity of our homes.
SZ BUILD SERIES - Episode 5: Electrical & Smart Home
Mercer Island, WA
In our current episode, Suzanne expresses her appreciation of ubiquitous technology, when it comes to the Electrical & Smart Home rough-ins of her new Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (DADU) on Mercer Island. We build for the beauty, durability and longevity of our homes.
SZ BUILD SERIES - Episode 4: Structural Framing
Mercer Island, WA
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.
SZ BUILD SERIES - Episode 3: Slab on Grade
Mercer Island, WA
Our third episode features the work happening below and within the concrete slab on grade of a new Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (DADU) on Mercer Island. You’ll see our hydronic heating team weave pex tubing within the floor, allowing for an even distribution of comfort and warmth throughout. We build for the beauty, durability and longevity of our homes.
SZ BUILD SERIES - Episode 2: Set in Stone
Mercer Island, WA
Our second episode features the forming & pouring of concrete footings and foundation walls of a new Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (DADU) on Mercer Island. You’ll see our team pump concrete through an overhead boom directly into the forms, setting the footprint for the framework to come. We build for the beauty, durability and longevity of our homes.
SZ BUILD SERIES - Episode 1: Excavation & Groundwork
Mercer Island, WA
Our first episode features the groundbreaking of a new Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (DADU) on Mercer Island. You’ll see our team move dirt to allow for on-site stormwater detention, retain the sloped site and prepare wet soils for new concrete footings and foundation walls. We build for the beauty, durability and longevity of our homes.
CARUCCIO’S CULINARY EVENT CENTER
Mercer Island, WA
At the very beginning of the project life cycle, establishing trust is key. Suzanne explained that even though her job title may read Architect or General Contractor, “trust is my true currency. I take the goals and dreams of my clientele to heart. I believed in Lisa Caruccio and her business concept from go.”
Suzanne and Lisa’s partnership is based on trust, as well as an acknowledgement that it takes a lot of effort to bring an idea to fruition. “[Lisa] had a vision, though not a clear path of reaching her ambitions. Step by step, we teamed up to figure it out together,” Suzanne shared. “It’s vital to work directly with architects, builders, and a team of creative consultants that take the time to create exactly what you want, a team that will return to the drawing board until they’ve truly made your idea into reality.”
With her breadth of experience in different sectors across architecture, marketing, and construction, Suzanne’s ability to speak the different industry “languages” helped create an innovative space like Caruccio’s.
PINK HARD HAT CHAT (Ep. 1): Meet Nicole Faith, Electrical Foreman [McKinstry Construction]
Today is International Women's Day, 2017! In celebration, we're highlighting Women in Construction by kicking off a video series called Pink Hard Hat Chats. Earlier, I had the pleasure of sitting with one of our key sub-contractors, Nicole Faith, Electrical Foreman of McKinstry Construction. She is a former Marine, proud mother of four, and Communications Officer for Q Missions (a non-profit organization founded to help support veterans and their families). Nicole is leading a team of Electricians on a first-generation Tenant Improvement site for Caruccio's Culinary Event Center on MI.
PINK HARD HAT CHAT (Ep. 2): Meet Susan Jones, Architect [Mass Timber']
On International Women's Day (March 8th), we had a chance to sit down for an interview with Susan Jones, Founder and Principal Architect at atelierjones in Seattle. She recently published Mass Timber: Design and Research, a book whose timing is particularly exciting due the recent bill that has been passed in Washington that will soon allow mass timber to be used for larger development projects. It was an enlightening discussion on all things mass timber, and we are so excited to share this interview with you.
PINK HARD HAT CHAT (Ep. 3): Meet SZ's Job Captain and Designer, Lara Tedrow.
In our Pink Hard Hat Chats series, we sit down and talk with women in the architecture, design, and build industries to learn their perspectives and insight on industry topics. Previously, we talked with Susan Jones, Founder and Principal Architect of atelierjones. For this chat, we're featuring SZ's Lara Tedrow!
Lara first started working with Suzanne as an intern, and over the past several years, her position has grown with the firm's growth, too. I had the chance to sit down and chat with her about her role at SZ, her path to become Job Captain and a Designer, and what she's currently up to. Check out our video here to learn more about our very own Lara!
If you're interested in joining our team, visit our Job Openings page to learn more about the following open positions: Summer Intern, Architectural Project Manager, and Construction Planner.
SZ Gallery | Office.
Mercer Island, WA
A multi-disciplinary team of creatives, led by Architect, Suzanne Zahr, now operates from a unique retail space in the Mercer Island Town Center. When scouting for commercial real estate, Zahr was drawn to the Aviara, a recently built apartment building with a retail base. Her vision to grow her business beyond the confines of a design service practice is now realized, leveraging the storefront off the plaza, as a public gallery and program venue.
Zahr opened her doors on Thursday, March 31, 2016, debuting the Danish-born artist, Gitte Peters, along with furnishings in collaboration with Gary Henderson Interiors. The Grand Opening not only celebrated the official launch of this new venture, it was also serve as a fundraiser for Art with Heart – a non-profit with the mission to help children overcome trauma through creative expression.
With an appreciation for both creativity and craftsmanship, Zahr founded SZ Build, Inc. (General Contractor) in 2015. As a seasoned Architect with Structural Engineering background, Zahr is an advocate for a multi-disciplinary approach to any project, commercial or residential. Her trusted design/build method engages key trades early on, resulting in time savings, cost savings, higher quality of work and happier clients. What is the true value of such a diverse array of offerings – Architecture, Interior Design, Construction, Art and Furnishings. Their seamless integration yields built environments that beautifully house our daily activities and enrich our sense of being.