4770 Ohio Ave S
Ste B
Seattle, WA 98134
info@paxsonfay.com
Mid-Century Marvel
On Mercer Island, Wettstone Studio Architects, Dyna Builders and Dyna Design Reinvigorate a tired mid-century with modern livability, light, and luxury.
When Ren Chandler’s friends reached out for help on their home remodel, he didn’t hesitate to say ‘Yes.’ “We had done a really big project for them in around 2016,” says Chandler, the founder and president of Dyna Builders. “Then this house sort-of fell into their laps.” The home was a 1973 mid-century modern on Mercer Island, with two floors, 4,200 square feet, and many rooms overlooking a prime waterfront site on Lake Washington. “We can’t build a house this close to the water anymore,” says Chandler. “That makes this project really special, not to mention the mid-century form of the house was stunning. We had a lot to work with, and the client really appreciated the original architecture.”
Despite the unique setting and solid mid-century bones, the interiors needed updates. “It was all well laid out and had lots of light, but it also had a lot of really dark finishes,” says architect Janice Wettstone of Wettstone Studio Architects. “So, while it felt light and bright with the windows, it also felt kind-of dark inside.” Add to that: rickety steps leading to the front door, an inefficient kitchen, a primary bathroom that was split into two separate rooms, and an unnecessary spiral staircase, and it was no wonder the owners called Dyna Builders, Dyna Design, and Wettstone Studio Architects to assist.
The clients’ goal was to balance the mid-century with modern livability, while integrating their personal style, which veers more luxurious and glamorous than the home’s tired existing finishes expressed. “I was pulling inspiration and sourcing ‘modern luxe glam’ for them,” says interior designer Kristi Steffen, then of Dyna Design, the firm’s in-house studio. “But the home also had to have a comfortable feel because they are a family of four. They have lots of dogs and they enjoy spending time at home.”
The redesign started with the kitchen, around which the team cleaned up the circulation, added a six-panel glass sliding door that opens to the rear deck, and a ten-foot-long island, perfect for casual meals or entertaining. “We decided that we wanted to open up the kitchen, so that when they’re entertaining, people can come in and out,” says Wettstone, noting that the new layout aids both function and flow. “We dialed in every inch of that kitchen, from spice jars, to where the knives go.” The rickety steps are long gone, and now the entry has floating concrete steps leading down to a custom metal pivot door, fabricated in Dyna’s metal studio. The door is flanked by glass sidelites, a set-up which offers just the right amount of privacy and peekaboo views to the water out back. Inside, pony walls were replaced with custom metal railings to visually connect the main spaces and bring light to the staircase.





In the sunken living room, the team removed heavy wood paneling to lighten up the overall scheme, then kept the original stacked stone fireplace to adorn it with an Onyx Crema hearth with LED lighting. Steffen introduced a warmer, richer palette throughout, including oak herringbone floors and walls painted in “Chantilly Lace” from Benjamin Moore. This is joined with blue notes here and there, such as in the kitchen cabinet color, or the living room’s large-scale triptych of paintings.
All of the art in the home was procured by Carol Lee Pryor, each piece carefully selected to highlight each space and the furnishings. Luxe accents also emerge in the elegant lighting choices, natural stone in the kitchen and baths, and things like the primary bathroom’s black and brass tile wainscot and gorgeous custom metal and glass shower enclosure.
Downstairs, the four bedrooms were kept in place, bathrooms refreshed, and the lower patio cleaned up when Dyna rebuilt the deck and streamlined the post and beam supports so better views of the water were gained. Wettstone placed a sauna and hot tub out-of-view, midway between the two levels, so occupants could still gaze at the water without blocking sightlines between it and the house. “It was a really beautiful, seamless collaboration between a lot of very talented people, with clients that have incredible taste,” says Steffen.
The best part of collaborating with friends on a remodel? Getting updates about the house long after the project is over. “The client just sent me this really sweet message,” says Chandler. “She said, ‘This house is the biggest blessing and we just love everything about it.’”


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.