4770 Ohio Ave S
Ste B
Seattle, WA 98134
info@paxsonfay.com
Inside a Seattle Home Designed for Family Functionality
It will grow with the family.
“The vision for the home was to create a layout that adapts to the growing family’s needs, all while making the most of the space within the existing structure,” explains Kailin Gregga, AIA, LEED AP+BDC, who is a partner and creative lead at Best Practice Architecture.
The house originally had three bedrooms and three bathrooms, plus charming features like a double-height open living room and wood ceilings that the owners wanted to keep. There was also a library loft upstairs and a main floor guest room created out of an old carport—both were added by the previous owners in the ‘80s.
But there were spaces and details that needed updates. “The closed-off kitchen made it hard to watch the kids while cooking, and the doorway was too narrow for the fridge (we had to stick it in the dining room instead),” Kailin says. “Partitioning the kitchen and the living room meant that the center hallway was always dark. There was also poor backyard transition—the dining room’s patio door brought in debris whenever accessed.”
Additionally, the primary bedroom layout was awkward, making furniture hard to place. There was also a weird window between the bedroom and bathroom that would shake every time the owners did laundry or a bus went by.
The loft space ended up being the kids’ bedroom, but it was very long and narrow, making it hard to set up furniture. The space didn’t have a bathroom, so everyone had to share the primary bathroom or go downstairs to the guest bathroom.
When it came time for the renovation, Kailin and team did the biggest work on the main floor. The goal was to open everything up and combine the kitchen, living, and dining areas.
“We opened up the walls surrounding the living room, and used new wood shelving to give peek-a-boo views into the space beyond,” Kailin explains. “The kitchen—once a closed room so small the fridge could not fit—was opened to the dining room, and enlarged to include an island. A wall-mounted banquette creates a dining area that allows for better circulation to the new rear mudroom, which is the only addition to the footprint of the home that was made during the project. This new space connects to the green backyard, but creates a little bit of a buffer between the indoors and messy boots.”
They also relocated the laundry room to its own space and added storage by reconfiguring the main floor’s original bedroom. And lastly for that floor, the existing guest bathroom was remodeled in shades of green and given new finishes and fixtures.
Although the biggest parts of the renovation occurred on the main floor, the second floor wasn’t neglected. The original staircase was refurbished and the original wood railings were repaired.
The primary suite was reconfigured with an open, cabinetry-style closet that separated the sleeping space from the ensuite bathroom. The bathroom also got a major update with beautiful tile, a standalone tub, glass shower, separate toilet, and double vanity.
The clients wanted to keep the kids’ bedrooms in the library loft (close to the primary bedroom), but improve the space so there were areas for sleep and play, plus a new bathroom.
“The former library loft was divided into two spaces with a central kids’ four-piece bathroom,” Kailin says. “On one side, there is a playroom filled with toys and books, and the other houses a bunkbed for the youngsters. A barn door closes the space off from the landing.”
Kailin adds that the kids’ space can be used as an office, craft room, or gym when the kids grow up and want to move to the bedrooms downstairs or leave the nest.
Now, the home is perfectly set up for everything a busy family needs to do—and it’s designed to grow with them, too.
“We love how the design works for us now with young kids, and we can see it working just as well when they’re teenagers,” the owners say. “The house really checks all the boxes—both for today and tomorrow.”
Contractor: Ainslie-Davis Construction
Engineer: Julie Smith Lubke
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.
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.