Slideshow photos by Katie Metzger.

Islander Suzanne Zahr is opening a unique retail space — a combination of a design/build firm, a showroom and an art gallery — on Mercer Island.

Zahr, an architect and general contractor, said her business seeks to bridge the gap between design and build. Her streamlined approach results in an integrated design, cost savings and a better experience for clients.

“There’s a different language in each of these trades — architecture, interiors, lighting, art — and we speak it all,” she said.

The design/build industry is heading in a “multi-disciplinary direction,” Zahr said, and the integration of architecture, interior design, construction, art and furnishings “yields built environments that beautifully house our daily activities and enrich our sense of being.”

Zahr will host a grand opening for the space, located in the Aviara building next to The Islander restaurant, at 5 p.m. on Thursday. Mayor Bruce Bassett will be in attendance for the ribbon cutting.

The opening will serve as the U.S. debut of Danish-born artists Gitte Peters and her son MUGGI. Furnishings designed by Zahr in collaboration with Gary Henderson Interiors will also be featured.

Five percent of all art sales from the event will go to Art with Heart, a nonprofit with the mission to help children overcome trauma through creative expression.

Zahr said that her vision for the retail location is to grow her business beyond the confines of a design service practice to a public gallery and program venue.

It is already carrying out that vision, having hosted a pop-exhibit as a preview to the annual gala fundraiser for the French American School of Puget Sound on March 24.

One of her goals is to organize a monthly wine pairing and art walk, similar to the one in Pioneer Square, by working with the Chamber of Commerce and businesses such as Clarke and Clarke Art and Artifacts and The Islander.

For more, visit www.suzannezahr.com.

Photos below courtesy of Rick Barry.