Describe your business in one sentence.

Suzanne Zahr is the owner and creator of an Architect-led, Design-Build practice on Mercer Island that takes a symbiotic approach to designing and building creative environments in close collaboration with residential and commercial clientele.

Are you an Islander? How did you decide to open a business on Mercer Island?

Yes, I'm an Islander [and] have been since 2012. I decided to open my Design-Build practice & fine arts gallery in the heart of the Mercer Island Town Center in 2016. Doing so allows me to more directly engage with our local community. I feel very fortunate to be able to live, work, volunteer, and raise my daughter on Mercer Island.

Do you remember the moment or time when you told yourself, “I have to do this”?

Just prior to launching my small business, I led design teams for large iconic corporations - Amazon Global Real Estate & Starbucks Store Design. Earlier in my career, I had worked under the mentorship of wonderful Architects, including Tom Kundig, focusing more on high-end residential design. My range of experience and entrepreneurial spirit (which seems to run in my family) led me to make the pivotal realization that I could do things a bit differently. Instead of searching for an employer that suited my diverse interests and curiosities, I was driven to create the firm that I've always wanted to work for - a space where creativity wins, collaboration is encouraged, and authenticity governs.

What makes your business so unique?

There may be several Design-Build firms in town, but very few are Architect-led. Being able to work closely with our clients from project inception to completion, maintaining design-integrity along the way, is very gratifying. What also makes us unique is that we bring a sense of calm and empathy through our client engagement. We understand that complex Architecture & Construction processes can be intimidating and confusing. We pride ourselves on being active listeners, clear communicators, and fun collaborators.

What was your experience adapting to the new COVID reality?

We quickly adapted to the new COVID reality by enabling our team members to work remotely, taking turns in the office and on our jobsites to keep our occupant counts down. We also implemented COVID Safety Guidelines in our office and on all of our construction sites to keep our crews and clients safe. The SZ Gallery held virtual art openings by introducing artists and their exhibits to the public through online interviews and videos. We also reached out to fellow small business owners in our community to see how we can support each other through these difficult times.

We often say innovation comes from questioning the status quo. Have you uncovered new ways of doing business or launched new products or services that you would not have thought of before? How did it work out?

Questioning the status quo is the impetus behind why I launched my own practice. Though I'm very appreciative of my experience gained working for others, mostly men, I felt like a misfit in my profession for several reasons. As a woman of color, a single-mother, and an ambitious professional, I sought a way to chart my own path. One that allows for self-expression, not just for me, but for my employees, clients, consultants, and artists. By simply creating the time and space for creative collaborations, I'm continually surprised by the positive outcome.

If there was a single product, service, or expertise your business should be known for, what is it?

Primarily, my business should be known for our Design-Build services. We provide integrated Architecture, Interior, and Construction Management services for an array of clientele through a streamlined practice. A close second is our fine arts gallery, proudly curating the works of local and international Artists.

Tell us something about your business that would surprise us.

Did you know that we're an all-women team? Though we collaborate with many wonderful men on a consultant & sub-contractor basis, our core Architecture & Construction Management team happens to be made of brilliant, resourceful, multi-tasking women - not typical in our male-dominated industries.

What is your favorite Mercer Island spot?

One of my happy places is definitely the Mercer Island Saddle Club. My young daughter is a budding equestrian. Spending time with her and our beautiful Welsh Pony, MoonPie, is pure joy.

Since you've been in business on Mercer Island, what have you discovered about Islanders or the Island community in general?

I've noticed that Islanders crave more Arts & Culture on Mercer Island. Since our grand opening in 2016, I've received positive feedback from Islanders, when hosting monthly art receptions, special events, and fundraisers in our office/gallery. Once the pandemic subsides and it's safe to do so, we look forward to relaunching our SZ Gallery public events as a continued give-back to the community we love.

When you aren't working, what's your favorite pastime?

Trail-riding with my daughter in Pioneer Park, Aqua Zumba at the Mercerwood Shore Club, wheel-throwing pottery, and listening to podcasts & audiobooks.

If you had to convince a non-Islander to come discover Mercer Island, what would you tell them?

Yes, Mercer Island is a wonderful, family-oriented community with a small-town vibe. But what may surprise you is that it's also home to many unique small businesses, retailers, restaurants, and organizations. Worth a visit!

Learn more about Suzanne Zahr Art & Architecture at www.suzannezahr.com.