Best Practice Architecture on Dwell

Before & After: Three Creative Sisters Team Up to Remodel Their Mom’s Forever Home

The cheerful Seattle midcentury sports fish scale shingles, punchy paint, and stained glass windows designed by one of the siblings.

Text by Rachel Gallaher

One of the first times Cynthia Chua saw her future home in person, it was about to take an excavator to its side. Fortunately, the Seattle property was handpicked by two of her daughters, Sarah and Julia Smith, who have a keen eye for design: Sarah is an architect at local firm Best Practice Architecture, and Julia works at Unique Art Glass, a family-owned, custom stained glass studio.

Kitchen, Refrigerator, Microwave, Wood Cabinet, Quartzite Counter, Wall Oven, Terrazzo Floor, Drop In Sink, Ceramic Tile Backsplashe, and Light Hardwood Floor Homeowner Cynthia Chau chats with two of her daughters in the kitchen of her Seattle home. — Homeowner Cynthia Chau chats with two of her daughters in the kitchen of her Seattle home.

The 1950s two-level residence is set on a quiet street in Seattle’s Mount Baker neighborhood, and it has views of Lake Washington just a few blocks away, so it seemed like the perfect place for Cynthia, a retired doctor, who was moving to Seattle from Cincinnati to be closer to two of her three daughters. (The oldest, Lauren is a creative director and amateur photographer living in Los Angeles with her three young children).

Before: Exterior

Exterior, Gable RoofLine, Shingles Roof Material, and Brick Siding Material Before: The home’s exterior, with neglected, overgrown landscaping, left much to be desired. — Before: The home’s exterior, with neglected, overgrown landscaping, left much to be desired. Courtesy of Best Practice Architecture

After: Exterior

Exterior, House Building Type, Wood Siding Material, Gable RoofLine, and Shingles Roof Material Sitting jauntily on its block, this renovated residence in Seattle’s Mount Baker neighborhood retains the original home’s footprint. Sarah Smith, the architect (and daughter of the homeowner, Cynthia) opened up the living spaces inside and overhauled the exterior and landscaping to give it a more contemporary presence. The landscape firm Cambium created the outdoor spaces, which perfectly balance hardscape with greenery. — Sitting jauntily on its block, this renovated residence in Seattle’s Mount Baker neighborhood retains the original home’s footprint. Sarah Smith, the architect (and daughter of the homeowner, Cynthia) opened up the living spaces inside and overhauled the exterior and landscaping to give it a more contemporary presence. The landscape firm Cambium created the outdoor spaces, which perfectly balance hardscape with greenery. Photo by Rafael Soldi Photography

Exterior, Wood Siding Material, Shingles Roof Material, House Building Type, and Gable RoofLine Dubbed Lil Shingle for its unique exterior cladding—inspired by the homeowner’s college years spent in New England—the house is finished with Benjamin Moore’s Arborcoat stain in Decorator’s White. The awnings at both entrances, from Seattle Metal Products, are powder-coated in pastel blue. A matching planter near the front door doubles as a handrail. — Dubbed Lil Shingle for its unique exterior cladding—inspired by the homeowner’s college years spent in New England—the house is finished with Benjamin Moore’s Arborcoat stain in Decorator’s White. The awnings at both entrances, from Seattle Metal Products, are powder-coated in pastel blue. A matching planter near the front door doubles as a handrail. Photo by Rafael Soldi Photography

“I initially thought that a condo would be really nice,” Sarah says one rainy afternoon, sitting next to Cynthia at the dining room table of the midcentury house, “but you were more ambitious.”

After: Entryway

Doors, Exterior, Swing Door Type, and Wood In the new entryway, stained white oak cabinetry provides a tidy place for shoes and bags. An unexpected but delightful application of Brooks Thomas’s Martha Armitage wallpaper adorns the ceiling. The front door is a custom design. — In the new entryway, stained white oak cabinetry provides a tidy place for shoes and bags. An unexpected but delightful application of Brooks Thomas’s Martha Armitage wallpaper adorns the ceiling. The front door is a custom design. Photo by Rafael Soldi Photography

Cynthia wanted the ability to have family—specifically Lauren’s family in California—over for extended stays, “but to also have my own space,” she says.

After seeing several houses in the area, Sarah and Julia came across the Mount Baker property, which was in dire need of work. The yard was overgrown and scattered with old furniture and outdoor gear, the ceilings were low, rooms felt cramped and closed off, and the staircase between the upper and lower levels bisected the house in a way that interrupted its circulation.

Despite these setbacks, the house, which had been a rental property for more than 20 years, hit three items on Cynthia’s punch list: a garage aligned with the first level, a basement that could be turned into a mother-in-law apartment, and sweeping lake views.

Before: Kitchen

Kitchen, White Cabinet, Linoleum Floor, Pendant Lighting, Drop In Sink, and Ceiling Lighting Before: Limited storage, and lots of open shelving, led to cluttered counters. — Before: Limited storage, and lots of open shelving, led to cluttered counters. Courtesy of Best Practice Architecture

Kitchen, Range, Linoleum Floor, Refrigerator, White Cabinet, Recessed Lighting, Drop In Sink, and Ceiling Lighting Before: With its workstations—cramped counters under low cabinetry—shoved to the outer walls, the kitchen had a lot of wasted space. — Before: With its workstations—cramped counters under low cabinetry—shoved to the outer walls, the kitchen had a lot of wasted space. Courtesy of Best Practice Architecture

After: Kitchen

Kitchen, Cooktops, Refrigerator, Ceramic Tile Backsplashe, Pendant Lighting, Range Hood, Ceiling Lighting, Wall Oven, Quartzite Counter, Light Hardwood Floor, Wood Cabinet, Drop In Sink, and Recessed Lighting Formerly closed off from the rest of the house, the kitchen now opens to the dining and living room. The countertops are Bianco Velino Brazilian quartzite, and the backsplash tile is from Fireclay. A row of Herman Miller Comma stools provide extra seating for guests. — Formerly closed off from the rest of the house, the kitchen now opens to the dining and living room. The countertops are Bianco Velino Brazilian quartzite, and the backsplash tile is from Fireclay. A row of Herman Miller Comma stools provide extra seating for guests. Photo by Rafael Soldi Photography

Kitchen, Quartzite Counter, Wood Cabinet, Stone Tile Backsplashe, and Terrazzo Floor At the west end of the main-level kitchen, storage—one of the Cynthia’s main requests—is ample. Here, Bellan Construction crafted custom cabinetry. (The uppers are brushed with Sherwin Williams’s Origami White, and the lowers with Benjamin Moore’s Smoky Taupe.) The pulls and knobs are from Rejuvenation in an oil-rubbed bronze finish. — At the west end of the main-level kitchen, storage—one of the Cynthia’s main requests—is ample. Here, Bellan Construction crafted custom cabinetry. (The uppers are brushed with Sherwin Williams’s Origami White, and the lowers with Benjamin Moore’s Smoky Taupe.) The pulls and knobs are from Rejuvenation in an oil-rubbed bronze finish. Photo by Rafael Soldi Photography

Storage Room, Shelves Storage Type, and Cabinet Storage Type A storage niche just inside the garage entry has three minty-green Shelfology Doohicky hooks and a shoe shelf. The heated terrazzo floors in the kitchen were Sarah’s idea. — A storage niche just inside the garage entry has three minty-green Shelfology Doohicky hooks and a shoe shelf. The heated terrazzo floors in the kitchen were Sarah’s idea. Photo by Rafael Soldi Photography

“At the time, the market was insane,” Sarah recalls. “It was still at the point where if you didn’t jump on it right away, it was going to slip through your fingers. So, we toured it and did a FaceTime walk-through with my mom.”

Aside from the views, the brick midcentury didn’t initially impress Cynthia. “I was like, ‘Just tear the house down and build a new one,’” she says. But her daughters, and particularly Sarah, the architect, saw potential beyond the dated finishes, dark interiors, and small rooms. Cynthia trusted their vision—and they quickly brought her on board with plans for a remodel.

Before: Dining Room

Dining Room, Desk, Chair, Pendant Lighting, Stools, Table, Ceiling Lighting, and Medium Hardwood Floor Before: The upstairs kitchen was cordoned off from the rest of the common spaces, creating a choppy layout that didn’t flow comfortably. As a result, the dining room felt like an afterthought rather than a dedicated space. — Before: The upstairs kitchen was cordoned off from the rest of the common spaces, creating a choppy layout that didn’t flow comfortably. As a result, the dining room felt like an afterthought rather than a dedicated space. Courtesy of Best Practice Architecture

After: Dining Room

Dining Room, Chair, Table, Storage, Ceiling Lighting, Light Hardwood Floor, and Pendant Lighting  White oak flooring unifies the rooms upstairs. The homeowner favors the color green, so her daughters decided to hang an Andrew Neyer Yoyo light in a minty shade over the Maiden Home Bedford dining room table. — White oak flooring unifies the rooms upstairs. The homeowner favors the color green, so her daughters decided to hang an Andrew Neyer Yoyo light in a minty shade over the Maiden Home Bedford dining room table. Photo by Rafael Soldi Photography

Windows, Wood, and Picture Window Type One of the homeowner’s daughters, Julia, works at Unique Art Glass, a multigenerational stained glass company owned by her boyfriend’s family. The couple designed two windows for the house, including this one in the dining area. — One of the homeowner’s daughters, Julia, works at Unique Art Glass, a multigenerational stained glass company owned by her boyfriend’s family. The couple designed two windows for the house, including this one in the dining area. Photo by Rafael Soldi Photography

The sisters started a group chat—without their mother—to discuss the details of the project, which Sarah says went smoothly overall. “If I had done this in my twenties, I think it would have been much more difficult,” she says of working with her sisters and their partners. “We had messages about everything from which side to put stair railings on to whether the outdoor lights should be on timers or motion sensors.” (They ended up with a mix of both.)

Before: Living Room

Living Room, Sectional, Wood Burning Fireplace, Standard Layout Fireplace, Accent Lighting, Chair, and Medium Hardwood Floor Before: The low ceilings throughout the house made it feel small, and the strangely proportioned skylight was an eyesore. Dated elements, like the brick fireplace, had to go. The view, which looks out onto Lake Washington, was one of the homeowner’s biggest drivers for purchasing the house. — Before: The low ceilings throughout the house made it feel small, and the strangely proportioned skylight was an eyesore. Dated elements, like the brick fireplace, had to go. The view, which looks out onto Lake Washington, was one of the homeowner’s biggest drivers for purchasing the house. Courtesy of Best Practice Architecture

After: Living Room

Living Room, Chair, Shelves, Ottomans, Gas Burning Fireplace, End Tables, Standard Layout Fireplace, Sofa, Desk, and Light Hardwood Floor Upstairs, the living room fireplace surround extends to the ceiling with Fireclay’s Thin Brick tile. A trio of rectangular skylights replaced the oddly large square that previously capped the room, and a new built-in desk and shelving add a cozy finish to a formerly wasted space. — Upstairs, the living room fireplace surround extends to the ceiling with Fireclay’s Thin Brick tile. A trio of rectangular skylights replaced the oddly large square that previously capped the room, and a new built-in desk and shelving add a cozy finish to a formerly wasted space. Photo by Rafael Soldi Photography

Living Room, Sectional, Chair, End Tables, Table, Ottomans, Bookcase, Pendant Lighting, Ceiling Lighting, and Light Hardwood Floor The two major architectural interventions happened in the living room, where Sarah opted to vault the ceiling, replace the existing clunky skylight with three slim ones, and relocate the staircase to the basement. The wall tile outside the powder room is by Fireclay—the homeowner specifically requested all rectangular tile be laid horizontally. — The two major architectural interventions happened in the living room, where Sarah opted to vault the ceiling, replace the existing clunky skylight with three slim ones, and relocate the staircase to the basement. The wall tile outside the powder room is by Fireclay—the homeowner specifically requested all rectangular tile be laid horizontally. Photo by Rafael Soldi Photography

After: Powder Room

Bath Room, Porcelain Tile Floor, Vessel Sink, and Ceramic Tile Wall A glimpse into the powder room reveals the second stained-glass windows designed and made by the homeowner’s daughter Julia and her boyfriend, Zack. A short hall into the powder room houses ample storage. — A glimpse into the powder room reveals the second stained-glass windows designed and made by the homeowner’s daughter Julia and her boyfriend, Zack. A short hall into the powder room houses ample storage. Photo by Rafael Soldi Photography

The initial plan was a phased renovation, working with Bellan Construction, but once demolition started, “there was so much not up to code,” Sarah explains, that it became necessary to do a complete overhaul, all at once. “There used to be a landfill nearby, so most of the earth underneath was fill, which made it unstable, so we had to add pin piles.” Much the downstairs slab had to be pulled up and reinforced, and many of the existing stem walls—the portion of a structure that connects the foundation with the walls—needed reinforcement. “In the end,” Sarah says, “most of the house ended up getting removed and we rebuilt in the exact same footprint.”

Before: Primary Bedroom

Bedroom, Table Lighting, Night Stands, Ceiling Lighting, Bed, Dresser, Pendant Lighting, and Medium Hardwood Floor Before: The bedroom in the northwest corner of the first floor had low ceilings and small windows, limiting the amount of natural light it received. — Before: The bedroom in the northwest corner of the first floor had low ceilings and small windows, limiting the amount of natural light it received. Courtesy of Best Practice Architecture

Bedroom, Storage, Bed, Dresser, Medium Hardwood Floor, and Shelves Before: On the first floor, the bedroom in the northeast corner had a sizable window facing the lake, but the window on the adjacent wall felt undersized and mismatched. — Before: On the first floor, the bedroom in the northeast corner had a sizable window facing the lake, but the window on the adjacent wall felt undersized and mismatched. Courtesy of Best Practice Architecture

After: Primary Bedroom

Bedroom, Medium Hardwood Floor, Chair, Bed, Pendant Lighting, Ceiling Lighting, and Rug Floor In the primary bedroom, an extended window above the bed lets in more natural light. Cynthia loves to send her daughters snapshots of the wildlife and sunsets she sees from her room. — In the primary bedroom, an extended window above the bed lets in more natural light. Cynthia loves to send her daughters snapshots of the wildlife and sunsets she sees from her room. Photo by Rafael Soldi Photography

Laundry Room and Side-by-Side In the primary suite, a new laundry niche sits outside the bathroom, where a Carrara marble counter and backsplash top a custom, floating white oak vanity. Fireclay tile in Morning Thaw—a soft, powdery blue—adds cheerful color to the room and balances the gray porcelain used for the floor. — In the primary suite, a new laundry niche sits outside the bathroom, where a Carrara marble counter and backsplash top a custom, floating white oak vanity. Fireclay tile in Morning Thaw—a soft, powdery blue—adds cheerful color to the room and balances the gray porcelain used for the floor. Photo by Rafael Soldi

Bath Room, Drop In Sink, Wall Lighting, Marble Counter, Enclosed Shower, Porcelain Tile Floor, Pendant Lighting, and Ceramic Tile Wall The primary bathroom is tranquil, with soft-blue tile from Fireclay complemented by Carrara marble countertops. The Mini Glo-Ball sconces are from FLOS. — The primary bathroom is tranquil, with soft-blue tile from Fireclay complemented by Carrara marble countertops. The Mini Glo-Ball sconces are from FLOS. Photo by Rafael Soldi Photography

The only expansion was the addition of a 52-square-foot mudroom at the entryway, which includes hooks for coats and a floor-level niche for muddy shoes. Cynthia planned to occupy the main floor, so Sarah took the two existing bedrooms and combined them into one primary suite with laundry, a sizable walk-in closet, and a bathroom.

“She wanted a spa-like bathroom that felt really calming,” Sarah says, noting that her mother’s requests were often materials or color based. This rang true on the exterior, which is clad in scalloped, oak shingles stained in semiopaque white. The look was inspired by architectural nostalgia for New England: the first place Philippines-born Cynthia lived in the United States while attending Mount Holyoke College.

Before: Basement

Before: A haphazard laundry and utility room in the basement doubled as storage. Courtesy of Best Practice Architecture

Bath Room, Wall Lighting, Medium Hardwood Floor, Pendant Lighting, Open Shower, Ceiling Lighting, One Piece Toilet, and Wall Mount Sink The downstairs bathroom was little more than a drywalled box with outdated plumbing and fixtures, and a shower that looked like a hastily cut hole in the wall. — The downstairs bathroom was little more than a drywalled box with outdated plumbing and fixtures, and a shower that looked like a hastily cut hole in the wall. Courtesy of Best Practice Architecture

Kitchen, Refrigerator, Medium Hardwood Floor, Ceiling Lighting, Microwave, Pendant Lighting, and Range Before: The basement kitchen was relegated to a back corner room, with low ceilings and no natural light. — Before: The basement kitchen was relegated to a back corner room, with low ceilings and no natural light. Courtesy of Best Practice Architecture

After: Basement

Staircase, Wood Tread, and Metal Railing New white oak stairs connect the upper and lower floors. The homeowner asked for a downstairs apartment to accommodate visits from her daughter and young grandchildren, who live in California. La Cantina sliding doors provide easy access to the backyard. — New white oak stairs connect the upper and lower floors. The homeowner asked for a downstairs apartment to accommodate visits from her daughter and young grandchildren, who live in California. La Cantina sliding doors provide easy access to the backyard. Photo by Rafael Soldi Photography

Bath Room, Drop In Sink, Terrazzo Floor, Pendant Lighting, Quartzite Counter, Wall Lighting, and Ceramic Tile Wall Downstairs, the bathroom is less colorful, embracing texture and material to achieve its calming, minimal vibe. Here, a custom oak vanity anchors the space. The curve of the Rejuvenation mirror nods to the arch of the Kohler faucet. A Caesarstone quartz countertop and Daltile wall tiles round out the room, while Scout Regalia’s SR wall hooks provide a pop of color. — Downstairs, the bathroom is less colorful, embracing texture and material to achieve its calming, minimal vibe. Here, a custom oak vanity anchors the space. The curve of the Rejuvenation mirror nods to the arch of the Kohler faucet. A Caesarstone quartz countertop and Daltile wall tiles round out the room, while Scout Regalia’s SR wall hooks provide a pop of color. Photo by Rafael Soldi Photography

Kitchen, Concrete Counter, Drop In Sink, Range, Wood Cabinet, Ceramic Tile Backsplashe, and Concrete Floor The basement’s kitchenette was moved to a more central location and updated with contemporary colors and finishes. The custom cabinetry is painted in Benjamin Moore’s Spiced Apple Cider to add some brightness to a space that leans on the dark side. Daltile’s Keystones tile in Arctic White appears here and in the nearby bathroom. — The basement’s kitchenette was moved to a more central location and updated with contemporary colors and finishes. The custom cabinetry is painted in Benjamin Moore’s Spiced Apple Cider to add some brightness to a space that leans on the dark side. Daltile’s Keystones tile in Arctic White appears here and in the nearby bathroom. Photo by Rafael Soldi Photography

Bedroom, Shelves, Concrete Floor, Bed, Wardrobe, and Chair Thoughtful touches, like a built-in desk and extra storage in one of the lower-level bedrooms, abound throughout the house. The wardrobe door pulls are an Etsy find from My Home & Me. — Thoughtful touches, like a built-in desk and extra storage in one of the lower-level bedrooms, abound throughout the house. The wardrobe door pulls are an Etsy find from My Home & Me. Photo by Rafael Soldi Photography

The formerly cramped and crowded kitchen, which was separate from the rest of the house, is now open to the living and dining area, with a new quartzite-topped counter, integrated appliances, and ample storage. Cynthia wanted a space where she could cook but still interact with guests—she has her two local daughters, their partners, and their dogs over every Sunday night for a family dinner.

Two major architectural interventions happened in the living room, where the team vaulted the ceiling, replacing an existing square skylight with three slim, rectangular ones, and rotated the staircase to the basement by 90 degrees, relocating it to the south end of the house. Now, natural light floods the space, illuminating the new green-glazed brick fireplace, even on the grayest Pacific Northwest day.

Before: Backyard

Outdoor, Trees, Back Yard, Shrubs, Grass, Decking Patio, Porch, Deck, and Large Patio, Porch, Deck Before: Full of potential, the large backyard was scattered with disused furniture, multiple canoes, and an aggressive overgrowth of shrub. — Before: Full of potential, the large backyard was scattered with disused furniture, multiple canoes, and an aggressive overgrowth of shrub. Courtesy of Best Practice Architecture

Outdoor, Large Patio, Porch, Deck, Back Yard, Decking Patio, Porch, Deck, Shrubs, and Grass Before: The large, house-spanning deck took advantage of the lake views, but felt overwhelming and bulky, and the untended backyard had become a repository for outdoor gear. — Before: The large, house-spanning deck took advantage of the lake views, but felt overwhelming and bulky, and the untended backyard had become a repository for outdoor gear. Courtesy of Best Practice Architecture

After: Backyard

Outdoor, Back Yard, Gardens, Trees, Grass, Pavers Patio, Porch, Deck, Wood Fences, Wall, Walkways, Vertical Fences, Wall, Shrubs, Hardscapes, and Small Patio, Porch, Deck The backyard—formerly full of unkept grass and invasive scrub—now features a flagstone patio with a portable fire feature. The homeowner likes to gather here with her family on warm summer evenings. A new fence provides privacy without blocking lake views. — The backyard—formerly full of unkept grass and invasive scrub—now features a flagstone patio with a portable fire feature. The homeowner likes to gather here with her family on warm summer evenings. A new fence provides privacy without blocking lake views. Photo by Rafael Soldi Photography

Outdoor, Back Yard, Shrubs, Concrete Patio, Porch, Deck, Grass, Wood Patio, Porch, Deck, Large Patio, Porch, Deck, Wood Fences, Wall, Vertical Fences, Wall, and Decking Patio, Porch, Deck The architects retained the previous deck’s footprint but updated it with ipe boards. The Bower sconces on both levels are from Schoolhouse Electric. — The architects retained the previous deck’s footprint but updated it with ipe boards. The Bower sconces on both levels are from Schoolhouse Electric. Photo by Rafael Soldi Photography

Downstairs, two bedrooms occupy the north end of the house, where a separate entry grants guests the freedom to come and go as they please. The guest bathroom, updated with a contemporary look in shades of gray and white, stayed in place, and the kitchenette was moved from a windowless back room (now a storage space and gym) to the main living area. Sliding doors offers easy access to the overhauled yard, where landscape design firm Cambium installed a patio populated with Blu Dot outdoor furniture and a fire feature. The house was completed in about a year from the start of construction—just in time for summer—and Cynthia’s first visitors were Lauren and her family.

“Ten days later we had an open house!” Cynthia recalls.

“There’s nothing like a party to get you to the deadline,” Sarah adds with a laugh. In a sense, it was a triumph for the entire family, who worked together to give their mom the space she deserves. “She worked so hard to be an amazing mom for me and my sisters,” Sarah says. “It felt nice to be able to give back in this next chapter of her life.”

Floor Plan of Lil Shingle by Best Practice Architecture

More Before & After stories:

A Gut Remodel Corrects a Century of Quick Fixes in This Brooklyn Row House

Ann Edgerton Takes the ’80s Out of Her Texas Ranch House

Three Sisters Give an Abandoned Portuguese Farmhouse a Vibrant Revival

Project Credits:

Architecture: Best Practice Architecture / @best_practice

Builder: Bellan Construction

Structural Engineer: Smith Lubke Structural Design

Landscape Design: Cambium

Stained Glass Windows: Unique Art Glass

Clients in the News

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

senior account executive
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

account executive
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 coordinator
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 coordinator
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.

Internships

PR & Digital Interns

We are hiring for our internship program! We are looking for an intern with a passion for design to help manage key communication channels. Click here to read more.

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.