4770 Ohio Ave S
Ste B
Seattle, WA 98134
info@paxsonfay.com
When Rachel Lauter and Sean Vanaman were trying to decide if they should convert their standard Seattle garage into a detached ADU, their decision was made after they climbed up on its roof. “That’s when we realized the view was going to be pretty incredible,” recalls Rachel.
Sure enough, adding a second-floor unit to the 400-square-foot garage would give them a flex space and guest quarters—and great sight lines to nearby Lake Washington. The couple already knew that the garage needed a new foundation. “It was sinking into the earth,” says Rachel. Granted the extensive work needed to save the building, they decided to tack on a new level too, which is allowed per Seattle’s density rules.
“We started brainstorming with Best Practice Architecture about building something on top of the garage to have more usable space,” says Rachel, referring to the firm they worked with to remodel their 1953 rambler in 2022, which Dwell previously covered. “We wanted to build something that felt like it could have a lot of uses.”
Architect Ian Butcher wanted the new building to complement the main house, framing the entrance to the property and anchoring the driveway, while also letting it “be its own thing,” he says. To that end, Butcher expanded the lower level to 710 square feet, keeping its functionality as a two-car garage while adding a small gym (with a window), a utility space (with a water heater, laundry machines, and a sink), gear storage, and an area for Sean’s woodworking studio.
The upper floor is a bit bigger at 780 square feet. There’s a slight overhang, which adds dimension to the facade—as do the different cladding materials, tucked under an offset gable roof with both rear corners pared back.
At one corner, a green steel staircase accesses the ADU, while the other corner has large stacked windows for snagging those views. “The stair is the first thing you see when you pull into their house now,” says Butcher. “That was very much a design statement, but it’s this simple steel stair—not overly showy.”
The color continues inside the apartment, in gestures big and small, from the golden-yellow accent wall in the entry, to the kitchen backsplash’s cobalt grout and the blue collar ties. “We have a lot of conversations with clients where we’re like, ‘This is the spot where color should be,’” says Butcher, “‘but we’re also pretty good at working with them to understand what is exciting for them.”
For the couple, that involved “playing with a lot of blues,” says Rachel, whose home library also sports the hue, and then adding complementary gold and maroon tones.
As for the interior layout, Butcher knew the couple had fond memories of former lofts they’d lived in. “We lived in a very cool space in Pioneer Square, which was our first home in Seattle, and it had loft vibes,” says Rachel. Instead of walling off the bedroom, Butcher created a sleeping nook by building three thick walls of cabinetry around a queen-sized bed set in the center of the apartment. “The cabinetry does triple duty as kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom storage,” says Butcher. “And makes it feel cozy in this otherwise large room.”
The team saved on the project’s budget by using Ikea cabinet boxes for the custom storage, and choosing a stone remnant for the bathroom vanity that informed the tile palette. “Every project is expensive,” says Butcher. “The biggest challenge for us is how to pull off interesting, fun design that doesn’t cost a fortune.”
That’s why color tends to play a big role in the firm’s approach. “Color can do a lot of heavy lifting in design,” says the architect—after all, it doesn’t cost much to paint a wall, or spray paint a metal rod.
Since the project’s completion in 2024, Rachel and Sean have used the space for cozy movie nights during the week, and as guest quarters for visiting friends and family. Many days, it’s an impromptu home office for Rachel, who sets up a laptop in front in front of the big windows to take calls. “It’s a really beautiful view of Lake Washington,” she says. “I’m just turning my head because I have to look at it.”
More Before & After stories:
A Kandinsky Print Inspires a Seattle Rambler’s Radiant Remodel
This Seattle Renovation Proves That Weird Can Be Wonderful
Three Creative Sisters Team Up to Remodel Their Mom’s Forever Home
Project Credits:
Architecture: Best Practice Architecture / @best_practice
Builder: Keen Eye Build
Structural Engineer: Harriott Valentine Engineers
Landscape Design: Erin Lau Design
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 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.