4770 Ohio Ave S
Ste B
Seattle, WA 98134
info@paxsonfay.com
SAFE HARBOR
WHEN A FLOATING DWELLING BECOMES TOO SNUG, HOSHIDE WANZER ARCHITECTS + INTERIORS AND DYNA BUILDERS CREATE A NEW HOME BASE.
WRITTEN BY LAUREN GALLOW | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW GIAMMARCO
For the people who dwell in Seattle’s iconic floating homes, water is a chosen way of life.
For them, daily rhythms include the buzz. of boat and seaplane engines along with year-round kayaking, paddleboarding and sailing. One couple’s beloved floating home on the east side of Lake Union served as a central hub for family gatherings and water
sports, but with two growing kids, it was bursting at the seams.
“It had become too small for them,” says architectural designer
Jordan Lock, who created plans for the new residence with architect Paul Wanzer. “They needed more space for the house to continue as a gathering place.” However, because the existing dwelling was built on a historic log float-many of the city’s floating homes sit atop
100-year-old rafts made from old-growth timber-the team was limited in how much more square footage they could add. Quickly, the decision was made to start from scratch.
“We opted to make a concrete float for the house because they’re much more stable, and all the systems can be accessed within it,” Lock explains. Experts in this type of building, general contractor Ren Chandler and his team cast the new float, which is essentially a shallow, rectangular basin, like a pool. After it cured, they used two large cranes to launch it into the water. Once secured, they constructed the new dwelling on top of it.
“Floating homes demand a high level of efficiency-every inch matters, says Chandler, a lifelong sailor who has built over two dozen floating homes in the area. For this one, Wanzer and Lock created an open plan that would support the family’s active lifestyle and embrace living on the waves in both form and function. On the main level, for example, an expansive great room combines kitchen, dining and living spaces and opens via retractable sliders to the lake and Seattle’s iconic Gas Works Park beyond. “The house takes full advantage of its position on the dock and its view corridors,” Chandler notes.
Drawing on the family’s affinity for a Nantucket coastal aesthetic, designer D’neka Patten assembled a light, beachy palette for the interiors. “There’s a relaxed vibe, with weathered textures and organic qualities,” Patten describes. Starting with base colors of watery blues for the living area and misty hues for the kitchen, she topped things off with warm notes in the dining area, where a branching light fixture is made of red, orange, yellow and green glass spheres. “There’s so much color when you’re on the lake with the sunsets and the city skyline,” says Patten, describing her inspiration for the home’s palette.
Upstairs, the primary bedroom fully opens to the watery landscape thanks to a rollaway corner door. For colder days, a petite fireplace provides warmth. Completing the top floor are a pair of kids’ rooms, each featuring built-in bunk beds fabricated with steel railings and ladders that impart a nautical feel.
Once construction was finished at the general contractor’s docks, the house was towed into place on its Eastlake slip. Now, it is the perfect hub for the family’s active lifestyle. “The character of this house is very special—it reflects who the clients are,” Patten says. Chandler agrees, adding: “This home is highly detailed and technically complex, but at the same time, it’s comfortable, livable and very connected to the family for which it was built.”
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're looking for a communications intern with a passion for storytelling, social media, public relations, and design. Click here to learn more and apply.
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.