Paxson Fay is a full-service marketing and public relations firm specializing in the architecture, design, and arts industries.

Paxson Fay

4770 Ohio Ave S
Ste B
Seattle, WA 98134
info@paxsonfay.com

meet the team clients what we do

Best Practice Architecture’s The Rambler on Dwell

Before & After: A Kandinsky Print Inspires a Seattle Rambler’s Radiant Remodel

Best Practice Architecture livens up a tired midcentury with brilliant color, a moody library, and a new deck with views for days.
Text by Melissa Dalton

Rachel Lauter and Sean Vanaman were not looking for a project when they stumbled upon one. The Seattle couple—she’s a lawyer and he’s a writer—were on the hunt for a house in 2020, and they had lost out on several bids by the time they toured this 1953 rambler in Seattle’s Seward Park neighborhood.

It was the lot, rather than the house, which initially sold them. It’s a third of an acre, one block from Lake Washington, with a big backyard bordered a wooded glen, so the windows and back deck have views of trees and water. That, plus the great people watching as passersby stroll toward Seward Park, just felt special. “You feel the energy of the park when it’s full of people barbecuing and swimming in the lake on a Saturday afternoon, but we have this privacy because of the woods,” says Sean.

Before: Exterior

Before: Rachel Lauter and Sean Vanaman bought this Seattle home in 2020. It was built in 1953, with a total of 2,800 square feet. The door to the left of the entry originally led to the kitchen, although the couple opted to turn it into a window.
Before: Rachel Lauter and Sean Vanaman bought this Seattle home in 2020. It was built in 1953, with a total of 2,800 square feet. The door to the left of the entry originally led to the kitchen, although the couple opted to turn it into a window.

Courtesy of Best Practice Architecture

After: Exterior

Exterior, Mid-Century Building Type, Brick Siding Material, and House Building Type Best Practice Architects painted the exterior brick after patching it in places, like the section left by the removal of the door. "We could find the exact texture of brick, that classic Roman running bond, but we could not find it in the right color," says architect Kailin Gregga. Painting the entire exterior unifies the facade. The facade is lit by Rich Brilliant Willing Hoist sconces in black.
Best Practice Architects painted the exterior brick after patching it in places, like the section left by the removal of the door. “We could find the exact texture of brick, that classic Roman running bond, but we could not find it in the right color,” says architect Kailin Gregga. Painting the entire exterior unifies the facade. The facade is lit by Rich Brilliant Willing Hoist sconces in black.

Dain Susman

The same family had owned the home since it was built, and they’d lightly updated the kitchen and baths, and gutted the walk-out basement. Since half of the home’s 2,800 square feet were situated downstairs, Rachel and Sean knew they wanted to finish the lower level, and they decided to update the rest of the house at the same time.

A friend recommended lead architect Kailin Gregga, partner at local firm Best Practice Architecture. After meeting Gregga and other firm partner, architect Ian Butcher, the couple were drawn to their attitude and approach. “They’re passionate, serious, and thoughtful, but with great senses of humor,” says Sean.

“We quickly realized that looking for architects was much less about their particular aesthetic, or their portfolio,” says Sean. “It was much more about, ‘Who do I want to be sitting on the cold bathroom floor of a half-demolished house with, as I’m pulling my hair out and trying to solve X problem?’”

Before: Entry and Kitchen

Before: The original entry, with the stairs on the left.
Before: The original entry, with the stairs on the left.

Courtesy of Best Practice Architecture

Before: The kitchen is situated to the right of the entry hall.
Before: The kitchen is situated to the right of the entry hall.

Courtesy of Best Practice Architecture

After: Entry and Kitchen

Kitchen, Wood Cabinet, Drop In Sink, Light Hardwood Floor, Range, Recessed Lighting, Refrigerator, Ceramic Tile Backsplashe, and Dishwasher "They really wanted to have tile in the kitchen and at the front door, but everyone disliked that hard edge line," says Gregga. "Doing the organic edge of the tile helped make the entry space and kitchen feel like one, and then it disintegrates into the living and dining room."
“They really wanted to have tile in the kitchen and at the front door, but everyone disliked that hard edge line,” says Gregga. “Doing the organic edge of the tile helped make the entry space and kitchen feel like one, and then it disintegrates into the living and dining room.”

Dain Susman

Before: Kitchen

Before: The kitchen had a compact, U-shaped layout, and it was closed off from the other living spaces.
Before: The kitchen had a compact, U-shaped layout, and it was closed off from the other living spaces.

Courtesy of Best Practice Architecture

After: Kitchen

Kitchen, Engineered Quartz Counter, Ceramic Tile Backsplashe, Ceramic Tile Floor, Wall Oven, Range Hood, Refrigerator, Undermount Sink, Ceiling Lighting, Wood Cabinet, Dishwasher, and Cooktops Custom oak cabinetry separates the kitchen from the adjacent dining room. The backsplash is made of Makoto tile from Bedrosian, and terra cotta–toned grout provides a hint of color. A Kirkus chandelier from Ago hangs above the dining table, and a folding-glass door opens to the new exterior deck.
Custom oak cabinetry separates the kitchen from the adjacent dining room. The backsplash is made of Makoto tile from Bedrosian, and terra cotta–toned grout provides a hint of color. A Kirkus chandelier from Ago hangs above the dining table, and a folding-glass door opens to the new exterior deck.

Dain Susman

Kitchen, Medium Hardwood Floor, Undermount Sink, Wood Cabinet, Range Hood, Engineered Quartz Counter, Ceiling Lighting, Dishwasher, Refrigerator, Recessed Lighting, Ceramic Tile Backsplashe, and Cooktops A cutout in the kitchen counter swoops around an exposed support post.
A cutout in the kitchen counter swoops around an exposed support post.

Dain Susman

After: Living Room

Living Room, Ceiling Lighting, Sofa, End Tables, Shelves, Recessed Lighting, Storage, Standard Layout Fireplace, Coffee Tables, Chair, and Medium Hardwood Floor The team refinished the oak floors in the living area while leaving the rest of the space untouched.
The team refinished the oak floors in the living area while leaving the rest of the space untouched.

Dain Susman

When the firm first visited the house, Gregga was struck by its intact features, like the exterior Roman brick, daylight basement, and big windows looking out toward the lake. “Our initial opinion was that there were a lot of really lovely things going on in the house already,” says Gregga. “We wanted to make sure that whatever we did wouldn’t obliterate the cool qualities of the space that already existed.”

They started by cleaning up the front facade, removing an unnecessary door to the kitchen, and reworking the entry—inside and out. They streamlined an uninspired concrete stoop and added a new deck off the corner to better lead visitors to the front door.

Inside, they opened up the narrow entry hall by lining the stairs to one side with an open slat treatment, removing walls, and enlarging the kitchen on the other side. A folding-glass door opens the dining room to an exterior deck, creating an easy flow between the central living areas. “We wanted great spaces to congregate in,” says Rachel.

Before: Hallway

Before: The home had a conventional layout, with a dark central hallway leading to the bedrooms and bathroom.
Before: The home had a conventional layout, with a dark central hallway leading to the bedrooms and bathroom.

Courtesy of Best Practice Architecture

The design team also opened up a narrow hall that previously led to the upper-floor bedrooms and bathrooms, and installed an office/library for Rachel’s extensive book collection.

“We realized that we could create an experience going from the kitchen, living, and dining space to the primary suite, and it would feel like going through a portal,” says Rachel. “It’s a beautiful color, and full of books, so it’s a happy place for me.”

After: Hallway and Office/Library

Hallway and Medium Hardwood Floor The new office/library sits to the right of the reworked entry. A slatted wall separates the space while allowing light to pass through.
The new office/library sits to the right of the reworked entry. A slatted wall separates the space while allowing light to pass through.

Dain Susman

Storage Room, Shelves Storage Type, Cabinet Storage Type, and Closet Storage Type New built-in cabinetry provides storage while allowing light to spread throughout the space. Metalworker Michael Northrup custom fabricated the powder-coated railing and entry shelf.
New built-in cabinetry provides storage while allowing light to spread throughout the space. Metalworker Michael Northrup custom fabricated the powder-coated railing and entry shelf.

Dain Susman

Office, Study Room Type, Chair, Medium Hardwood Floor, Storage, Bookcase, Library Room Type, Desk, and Shelves A Kandinsky print inspired the home’s pink and blue color scheme. "I have carried around dozens of books to the many places I’ve lived for a long time," says Rachel, who now has a home for her collection.
A Kandinsky print inspired the home’s pink and blue color scheme. “I have carried around dozens of books to the many places I’ve lived for a long time,” says Rachel, who now has a home for her collection.

Dain Susman

Office, Study Room Type, Desk, Shelves, Chair, Library Room Type, Bookcase, Medium Hardwood Floor, and Storage The room is painted in Stiffkey Blue by Farrow & Ball and outfitted with a custom desk.
The room is painted in Stiffkey Blue by Farrow & Ball and outfitted with a custom desk.

Dain Susman

Office, Storage, Desk, Bookcase, Shelves, Medium Hardwood Floor, Library Room Type, Chair, and Study Room Type The office/library acts as a transition area between the main living spaces and the primary bedroom.
The office/library acts as a transition area between the main living spaces and the primary bedroom.

Dain Susman

After: Powder Room

Bath Room, Porcelain Tile Floor, and Wall Mount Sink The powder room is wrapped in Josef Frank wallpaper.
The powder room is wrapped in Josef Frank wallpaper.

Dain Susman

After: Primary Suite

Bedroom, Bed, Medium Hardwood Floor, Ceiling Lighting, Night Stands, and Lamps The remodel enlarged the primary bathroom, converted the hall bath to a powder room, and added a full bathroom downstairs.
The remodel enlarged the primary bathroom, converted the hall bath to a powder room, and added a full bathroom downstairs.

Dain Susman

Bath Room, Engineered Quartz Counter, Ceiling Lighting, Undermount Sink, Ceramic Tile Wall, Full Shower, Recessed Lighting, and Ceramic Tile Floor The primary bathroom is finished with Makoto 2x8 tile by Bedrosian and Graph tile in GP022 by Ceramica.
The primary bathroom is finished with Makoto 2×8 tile by Bedrosian and Graph tile in GP022 by Ceramica.

Dain Susman

The lower level now holds what Gregga calls an “epic family room/party zone” wrapped in a plethora of attractive storage. The team relocated the exterior deck to bring in more natural light, and installed floor-to-ceiling glass doors to access the backyard. Two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a utility room finish the floor.

Before: Stairs

Before: One of the team’s goals was to better connect the upper and lower levels.
Before: One of the team’s goals was to better connect the upper and lower levels.

Courtesy of Best Practice Architecture

After: Stairs

The slatted wall treatment continue downstairs, alongside the powder-coated metal railing. "It has such a good feel in your hand," says Sean.
The slatted wall treatment continue downstairs, alongside the powder-coated metal railing. “It has such a good feel in your hand,” says Sean.

Dain Susman

Gregga and Butcher threaded unexpected moments throughout—from the staggered entry tile, to the powder-coated metal stair accents, to the color palette, which ranges from subtle (as in the upstairs kitchen backsplash) to bold (as in the library and downstairs bathroom, which is swathed in emerald tile).

“I wear a black t-shirt and jeans to work four days a week; we’re pretty sedate in our general day-to-day look,” says Sean. “But we said, ‘It’s okay to push us on color, because we feel like you will listen to us if we say no.’” These pops of pigment speak to the joy everyone found in the process. “The house is a testament to how much fun we had the whole time we worked on it together,” says Sean.

Before: Family Room

Before: The team converted the large windows in the daylight basement into sliding-glass doors.
Before: The team converted the large windows in the daylight basement into sliding-glass doors.

Courtesy of Best Practice Architecture

Before: The brick fireplace was a keeper, as were the concrete floors, which the team repolished.
Before: The brick fireplace was a keeper, as were the concrete floors, which the team repolished.

Courtesy of Best Practice Architecture

After: Family Room

Living Room, Concrete Floor, Coffee Tables, Ceiling Lighting, Standard Layout Fireplace, and Sectional Gregga left the ceiling exposed to define the cozy lounge area from the rest of the room. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors now open to the backyard.
Gregga left the ceiling exposed to define the cozy lounge area from the rest of the room. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors now open to the backyard.

Dain Susman

Custom colored cabinetry contrasts with the original brick of the fireplace. The table with the purple metal base is custom, and the pink door leads to the covered workout area under the deck.
Custom colored cabinetry contrasts with the original brick of the fireplace. The table with the purple metal base is custom, and the pink door leads to the covered workout area under the deck.

Dain Susman

Living Room, Ceiling Lighting, Standard Layout Fireplace, Concrete Floor, Sectional, and Coffee Tables The cutout in the oak cabinetry provides a sleeping nook for the couple’s cat, Mitten.
The cutout in the oak cabinetry provides a sleeping nook for the couple’s cat, Mitten.

Dain Susman

Before: Unfinished Basement

Before: The team relocated two of the bedrooms downstairs.
Before: The team relocated two of the bedrooms downstairs.

Courtesy of Best Practice Architecture

After: Guest Bedroom

Bedroom, Bed, and Night Stands Color-blocked pink walls echo the stair railing.
Color-blocked pink walls echo the stair railing.

Dain Susman

After: Guest Bathroom

Bath Room, Open Shower, Ceramic Tile Floor, Ceramic Tile Wall, Alcove Tub, Recessed Lighting, and Ceiling Lighting Dal Tile Keystones in Arctic White and Emerald cover the guest bathroom.
Dal Tile Keystones in Arctic White and Emerald cover the guest bathroom.

Dain Susman

Before: Exterior Deck

Before: The team reoriented the deck to improve access to the backyard and allow more sunlight to reach the lower level. They also installed an exterior stair to provide access to the grass from the upper level.
Before: The team reoriented the deck to improve access to the backyard and allow more sunlight to reach the lower level. They also installed an exterior stair to provide access to the grass from the upper level.

Courtesy of Best Practice Architecture

After: Exterior Deck

Outdoor, Back Yard, Large Patio, Porch, Deck, Wood Patio, Porch, Deck, Concrete Patio, Porch, Deck, and Grass The new deck provides multiple areas for gathering and enjoying the backyard—from the upper-level hangout zone and grill spot to the lower-level firepit. Covered turf beneath the deck designates a dedicated workout area.
The new deck provides multiple areas for gathering and enjoying the backyard—from the upper-level hangout zone and grill spot to the lower-level firepit. Covered turf beneath the deck designates a dedicated workout area.

Dain Susman

Floor Plan of The Rambler by Best Practice Architecture
Floor Plan of The Rambler by Best Practice Architecture

Published

Clients in the News

Main content

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.

Main content

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

Main content

clients

Here is a little taste of who we love to work with and what we love to do.

Syndicate Smith

Delta Marine

Coronet LED

The Miller Hull Partnership

Vulcan Real Estate

Nakamoto Forestry

Best Practice Architecture

NICO Sayulita

SHED Architecture & Design

Ted Bradley Studio

Dyna Builders

GOODLAND

Stephenson Design Collective

BuildingWork

Casework

Love Schack Architecture

Graphite Design Group

3form

LightArt

People People

Space.City

Only Good Things

Keeps

Abodian Inc.

Hightower

Chown Hardware

Grand Rapids Chair Co

Modern Shed

Union Wood Co

Hybrid

Acentech

Heliotrope Architects

GRAY Magazine

Signal Architecture + Research

Kate Duncan / ADDRESS

House of Sorcery

Móz Architectural Metals

Springboard

Dwell Development

Interstyle

Michael Courtney Design

IWOODLOVE