4770 Ohio Ave S
Ste B
Seattle, WA 98134
info@paxsonfay.com
In his own backyard, architect Ivan Kostic experimented with building techniques and an explosion of color that his clients would never go for.
For architect Ivan Kostic, the caving-in garage on a property he was eyeing struck him as an immediate opportunity—but he didn’t capitalize on it right away. “When my wife and I bought our house in Seattle in 2014, we thought the logical thing to do was take down the garage and build a detached accessory dwelling unit in its spot,” recalls Kostic. Several years and two kids later, after launching his firm, 0.blok, with partners Ben Prager and Brian Nguy, he finally got around to it. It’s now an ADU that’s half garage, half house, and, in Kostic’s description, 100 percent joyful. “As architects, we believe in joy,” he says.

He used the build as a laboratory for fun-filled ideas that client projects don’t always allow for. And besides getting to experiment, he was able to get a better understanding of construction costs. “I wanted to figure out different assemblies and techniques but also understand the budget impact of those moves,” he says. Having spent more than a decade on construction sites but never having built anything himself, he, with the help of his brother-in-law, spent three years replacing the garage and incorporating an 800-square-foot, dual-level dwelling behind it.


The ADU is wrapped in Scots pine boards with pointed ends. At its entry, a stair connects to the garage. Kostic’s joyful ethos emerges in punctuations of blue and yellow paint on handrails, doors, and window frames. Playing with color was a budget-friendly way to make it come alive. “The yellow windows bring a little bit of sunshine inside day to day, in contrast with the grayness of Seattle,” says Kostic. “It’s about having fun. Our homes should be places where we feel good.”
| $125,848 Foundation |
$7,996 Sewer Line |
$147,280 Structural |
| $14,214 Wall Finishes |
$12,946 Flooring |
$50,891 Roofing |
| $7,047 Plumbing |
$24,814 Landscaping |
$26,993 HVAC |
| $10,855 Electrical |
$3,240 Kitchen/Bath Fixtures |
$2,000 Lighting |
| $25,678 Cabinetry |
$5,992 Countertops |
$8,678 Appliances |
| $5,308 Tilework & Shower |
$44,365 Windows & Glazing |
$4,159 Doors |
| $3,000 Metalwork |
$6,712 Permitting |
$47,000 Labor |
| $1,547 Demolition |
$1,777 Waste/Debris Removal |
$1,571 Site Prep |
| $5,028 Stoop |
$10,577 Tools & Materials |
|
| Grand Total: $605,516 | ||


“A general concept in the design was this idea of creating complexity through the addition of small or simple moves.”
—Ivan Kostic, architect
Kostic’s current renters, Evan Fleming and Lenore Wan, relish the ADU’s delightful moves. “It almost feels like a museum space,” says Evan of the interior stairwell, which features a skylight, a bright blue handrail, and a horseshoe-shaped wall, which Kostic achieved by overlapping seven-inch strips of plywood. “The stair is one of those things where I’m like, Wow, I get to walk through this every day,” adds Evan.


Floor plan of Seattle ADU by 0.blok
Project Credits:
Architect of Record and Builder: 0.block
Structural Engineering: Quantum Consulting Engineers
Cabinetry: Reform Kitchens
Construction Consultant: Rhodes Creations
meet the team
We’re inspired by diverse design perspectives, innovation, technology, art, and the world around us. We live for the chance to create and disperse powerful, genuine messages that resonate.
tessa franchini
principal
tessa@paxsonfay.com
Tessa graduated from Fordham University in New York with a dual bachelor's degree in Communications and Political Science. During her time at Fordham, she worked for an interior designer and at NBC News where she developed her love for both design and communications. After graduating, Tessa managed marketing at 3form, a pioneer in the sustainable building products industry. During her tenure, 3form was repeatedly named one of the most recognized manufacturers in the design industry among architects and designers, and the company won multiple awards for its innovative product launches. After 3form, Tessa consulted on marketing efforts with leading product manufacturers in architecture and design before starting Paxson Fay with Amy.
amy golden
principal
amy@paxsonfay.com
Originally from Seattle, Amy left her home in the Pacific Northwest to attend Fordham University, fulfilling her dream of living in New York City. After graduating with a BS in business administration, specializing in marketing and minoring in economics, Amy began her career in advertising sales at CNN and the Hallmark Channel in New York and LA. However, Amy’s love of writing, design, and connection with people ultimately led her to PR. While finishing her MBA back home at Seattle University, in 2015, Amy cofounded Paxson Fay with her friend and business partner, Tessa, driven by a shared vision to build a PR agency that reflected their values and passions. At Paxson Fay, Amy thrives in media relations and pitch development, enjoying the process of diving deep into each client’s story to craft compelling narratives that resonate with editors and journalists. Amy has a particular passion for architecture-focused projects, and securing SHED’s feature in The New York Times was an especially rewarding moment, as they were her first client. Another major career milestone was helping build out Paxson Fay’s talented team, fostering an environment where young professionals can grow their skills and pursue their passions. Outside of work, Amy loves spending time with her family, chasing after her two little boys, exploring Seattle’s restaurant scene, traveling with friends, and reading.
colby wood
account manager
colby@paxsonfay.com
After graduating from Fordham University in New York City with a major in Communications and Media Studies and a handful of marketing and PR internships, Colby moved to Boston to manage marketing for a small, women-owned, creative consulting agency. While in that role, Colby managed public relations and marketing efforts for some of Boston's most prominent events and public art initiatives, including the Boston Pickle Fair and The Bulfinch Crossing Projections in downtown Boston. Colby gained experience crafting brand stories and identities through social media marketing and creative copywriting, seen through the successful launch of a premier Massachusetts adult-use dispensary and the revamp of her agency's own website. After two years, Colby decided it was time to figure out what the West Coast was all about. Looking to blend her marketing experience with her passion for design and architecture, Colby found Paxson Fay, where she focuses on social media strategy and management and public relations.
paige childs
senior account executive + digital lead
paige@paxsonfay.com
As a child, Paige wanted to be an architect; but after falling in love with storytelling, the power of words, and yes, the show West Wing, she decided to pursue journalism at The George Washington University in the nation’s capital. Following graduation, Paige crafted communications for the beauty and banking industries. Craving space for creativity, she joined the small team that would reopen the congressionally designated National Children’s Museum. There, she played an integral role in establishing the museum’s brand, bringing it to life across digital channels, including social media, email, and advertising. After nearly eight years in DC, she decided it was time for a change of scenery. Having grown fond of the title Washingtonian, she made the cross-country move to Washington State. She landed in Seattle at Paxson Fay, where in true full circle fashion she is the architect of social media and public relations strategies for our architecture and design clients.
martina povolo
account executive
martina@paxsonfay.com
Martina joined the Paxson Fay team as an intern when she was a senior at the University of Washington. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Public Interest Communications, Martina is now continuing with the team as a Communications Assistant. During her time at UW, Martina worked as the Special Sections Editor at the university’s newspapers where she won multiple awards for her front page spreads. Looking to blend her minors in real estate and environmental science with her focus in communications, Martina is passionate and excited to join the Paxson Fay team.
tara lyons
account executive
tara@paxsonfay.com
With roots in Napa and Denver, Tara ventured to the Pacific Northwest to pursue her academic journey at the University of Washington, where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Communication and Education. Tara's love for writing began when she delved into songwriting, building on her pre-existing passion for singing and playing the piano. Following her undergraduate years, she returned to Paxson Fay, where she had previously interned, transitioning into the role of Communications Assistant. With a keen interest in PR and social media, Tara seamlessly integrates her creative flair into the professional realm. Outside of work, you'll find Tara passionately supporting the Kraken, embodying her love for both storytelling and sports.
Jamie Paxton
Communications Assistant
jamie@paxsonfay.com
Growing up in the Bay Area, Jamie made her way to the Pacific Northwest to attend the University of Washington, where she graduated with a bachelor's degree in Communications and Psychology. Jamie first joined the Paxson Fay team as an intern during her senior year at the University of Washington and is excited to continue her journey with the team as a Communications Assistant. With a passion for writing and social media, Jamie is excited to bring her creativity and unique perspective to the role. Outside of work, you can find Jamie exploring local restaurants or picking up a good book.
We're looking for a communications intern with a passion for storytelling, social media, public relations, and design. Click here to learn more and apply.
what we do
We are a communications firm founded in our passion for good design. Our unique approach to marketing and public relations in the architecture and design community has elevated our clients work to the next level. We’re backed by a talented community of creatives. From copywriters to social media experts, we provide a complete package of customized services. We strive to create a personal experience with each client, integrating teams and tackling your biggest marketing and public relations challenges from a high level. Then we help execute those plans ensuring lots of reporting along the way, with lots of coffee breaks in between because we’re from Seattle and that’s what we do.
marketing
marketing strategy
brand strategy
project management
partnerships acquisition and management
e-mail blasts
public relations
media strategy
content production
media communications and outreach
awards: strategy, content development and submissions
social
platform strategy and management
content production
targeted campaigns
results + reporting
advertising
advertising strategy
budget strategy + negotiation
calendar management
creative coordination
content
storytelling
copywriting
website and e-mail marketing
video: sourcing, storyboarding and scheduling
photography acquisition + curation
events
event management
sponsorships + partnerships
tradeshow coordination
press tours
clients
Here is a little taste of who we love to work with and what we love to do.