One of our values at SZ is to employ a multidisciplinary approach to architecture and the build environment. As a design-build firm, we see immense value in the collaboration of design and construction and encourage each team member to be fluent in both languages. That is why we are excited about the Certificate in Construction Management offered by the University of Washington. One of our designers, Lara, is currently enrolled in the certificate program and is working to apply that knowledge to streamline processes and enrich the communication between the design and construction teams.
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Heath Ceramics - Bay Area icon meets Seattle
Each year SZ Build performs a hand full of home remodels. These jobs are loads of fun, and the highlight is working with the owners to help them envision their new living space. Throughout the process, it’s not uncommon for clients to bring materials and design elements to the table (and in fact, we encourage it). But what is uncommon is when a client introduces us to a new material I haven’t worked with, especially when that material is as iconic as Heath Ceramics.
Read MoreWhat is Design-Build?
So, you’ve decided to build a house and you’ve found an Architect that has created a design vision so lovely that it will see you into your old age (or young age, where ever you may be in life). Now what? Do you go out and search for a General Contractor (GC) to bring that vision to reality, or did you hire an Architect that is also a GC? That is the difference between Design-Build (D/B) and Design-Bid-Build (D/B/B). If you chose the former, then you will need to obtain multiple bids from GCs, choose one, and have them go back and forth with your Architect to align on project scope, budget & constructability.
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SZ Blitz Build Day: The Design Team Builds.
On July 13th, members of the SZ design team gathered to help build one of the projects on the boards, an addition/remodel in the Leschi neighborhood of Seattle, for their first of many SZ Blitz Builds. As a design-build team, this new tradition of having a monthly all-hands on deck day gives a chance for overall team-building.
Alfonso Gusman, the Construction Foreman at SZ Build, completely ran the show for the Blitz Build. He managed the delegation of tasks, prepped the site, and made sure it was a productive day for both teams. Shakiba Ahmadi, Architectural Intern, thought that, "It was great how everyone had responsibilities and stuck to them."
Alfonso isn't shy to being the boss of the day; he usually works with subcontractors on site. But with the design team on hand, he was also teaching everyone how to use certain tools and how things get sequenced or put together. Everyone agreed that Alfonso was an excellent hands-on leader and instructor. To this comment, Alfonso responded, "I think we make a great team."
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