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
Eye Eye on Seattle Magazine
A Clear Vision for Growth
Local optometry clinic Eye Eye celebrates a decade in business and prepares to debut its first line of frames.
In Leschi Park, overlooking Lake Washington, towers one of Seattle’s many historic trees, a giant sequoia planted sometime in the early 20th century. Just down the street on Lakeside Avenue is the second location of eye clinic and shop Eye Eye, where Dr. Will Pentecost seems to be borrowing some of the leafy specimen’s energy. “I view my practice as a tree,” he says. “If you were growing a tree, you’d probably be frustrated after a few years, right? But that’s not what that project would take. I feel like we’ve got a healthy trunk, we’ve put our roots in strong soil.” Thanks to an ethos of patiently building client relationships, he and his team of 12 have now grown 10 rings around the trunk of the clinical venture, marking a decade in business as of 2025.
Pentecost studied optometry in his hometown of Memphis, Tennessee. “Just like everyone in my class in optometry school, I had bad vision,” he says. But the real inspiration was the profession’s unique blend of medicine and business, delivered one-on-one from doctor to patient. After graduating, he found his way to Seattle. “It turned out to be a good place to be an optometrist, because there’s a lot of nerds here,” he says affectionately. It was a good time, too; a renaissance in eyewear fashion had begun, and it would become a cornerstone of Eye Eye’s brand.
It was while working at the clinic connected to Eyes on Fremont that Pentecost met Milli Militi, a former PR and marketing professional turned optician. “Milli helped pick out some glasses for me, and I immediately recognized her talent,” says Pentecost. When he set out to hang his own shingle in 2015, she was the first person he approached; she joined Eye Eye within its first few months, and they began building a clientele at the original Capitol Hill location. “For just the two of us, any amount felt like success if people were coming in and having fun,” Pentecost says, noting that building a clientele takes time—and patience. “Ultimately, we’re creating a lifetime patient who’s going to come back.”
Pentecost did that by understanding—and commiserating with—his patients’ experiences of navigating vision care. “The first thing most practices do is join the vision insurance network panels so that they’ll be preferred providers, and then they build their practice based on the extra rules that the insurance companies have,” he says. “I had worked at a lot of different places as an associate doctor and seen what it was like, and I thought, ‘What if I built my practice based on what I thought would be best for the patient or the customer?’” Clinic director Katie Shawver now leads their efforts to help patients navigate their insurance so they have the most flexibility in terms of their benefits; many are going out of network because they appreciate the Eye Eye experience.
With paperwork off their minds, patients shopping for frames can focus on exploring Eye Eye’s selection of 40 independent brands thoughtfully assembled by Militi, the clinic’s chief eyewear curator. And there’s room for one new upstart brand: Eye Eye is set to debut its namesake line in March with three designs. “We’re starting with classic, wearable shapes at an affordable price,” says Pentecost. “Something people will be happy to wear—and happy with the price.” Each style is gender neutral, available in a few colorways, and made by a manufacturer in Utah. There’s a vintage-inspired round style with a keyhole bridge, a larger rectangular design with a Clark Kent vibe, and finally, an on-trend modified aviator shape.
“What’s going to differentiate us is that you get a real human who knows how to adjust your glasses properly to be comfortable. It’s an art form because every face is unique.”—Dr. Will Pentecost
As Pentecost looks to the future, he’s curious about innovations in eye care and potentially changing attitudes towards glasses and contact lenses, but he’s confident in what he and his team have built. “What’s going to differentiate us is that you get a real human who knows how to adjust your glasses properly to be comfortable,” he says. “It’s an art form because every face is unique.” He compares it to getting fit for a custom suit or dress, with a checklist of factors—prescription strength, head and face shape, and aesthetic and lifestyle—informing the search. “Fractions of a millimeter matter,” he says. And the love for glasses hasn’t waned yet. He admits to the professional hazard of noticing glasses everywhere, whether it’s watching a post-game sports conference, the Oscars, or just the streets of Seattle. “And everytime I see it, I smile.”
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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.
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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
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clients
Here is a little taste of who we love to work with and what we love to do.
