4770 Ohio Ave S
Ste B
Seattle, WA 98134
info@paxsonfay.com
For the past nine years, Dean Jeffery, Grand Rapids Chair Company’s Creative Director, has worked to transform a reliable, second-generation family business into a design-forward furniture brand. By bringing innovative energy and a contemporary edge to the hospitality and contract industry, he not only overhauled the brand’s portfolio but turned it into what it is today. The launch of a residential sister brand, Only Good Things, provides a unique Midwestern perspective to the global design community, shining a light on emerging creatives through quality pieces that elevate kitchens, dining rooms, and outdoor spaces everywhere.
As the head of branding and product development, Dean establishes and oversees collaborations with designers to create playful, minimal, and expertly designed furnishings that are built to last and center sustainability. From Grand Rapids-based Filter Studio to Australian design duo Dowel Jones, Dean has fostered relationships with creatives across the globe. Products he has helped bring to market now live in spaces belonging to some of the biggest companies in the world, including Google, Chipotle, Marriott, and Nike.
Today Dean Jeffery joins us for the first Friday Five of 2022!
Sleeping has never been my strongest life skill, and over the years I’ve grown to love my early mornings alone. There is this overwhelming sense of peace and tranquility that makes my heart so happy. Having a built-in morning routine has done wonders for my nervous system. I wake up early, roll out of bed before the sun rises, grab the dog, and head outside for a 20 to 30 minute walk. After that, I make some fresh coffee, put on a guided meditation, and just relax for a bit until my partner wakes up and heads to work. That routine helps me keep life in perspective. I have so many things to be grateful for, so I start my work days grounded in gratitude.
I didn’t think I’d ever be a lap dog type of guy, but this dog has made me a convert. We adopted Lewis AKA Lu, LuAnn, The Countess (that’s a Real Housewives reference for any other fans out there) from a rescue about three years ago. She’s the most laidback dog I’ve ever met, which compliments my personality. At the start of the pandemic, when I was just settling into WFH life, she would literally sit on my lap all day while I worked and it was the most therapeutic thing ever. Since then, we’ve created some healthy work/life boundaries and give each other some space, but she is a constant source of joy. Everyone loves her so much – we named a table after her!
As cliché as it may seem, few things make me happier than a great cup of coffee. Thankfully, I live in a city with a pretty robust coffee scene and a few of the best roasters in the country like Madcap Coffee. For me, good coffee is so much more than taste – it’s the whole experience, which is why my favorite coffee shop to visit in the city is Stovetop Coffee Roaster. Not only is their coffee delicious (and their café cute), but unlike a lot of craft coffee companies, they don’t come off as pretentious or too serious. They’re always up for answering questions. Even their decor features a neon sign that thanks you for being there. I also love their packaging. They took the road less traveled and opted for super fun doodles instead of minimalist color blocking. Similar to the work our team does with making great design accessible and enjoyable at Grand Rapids Chair, Stovetop takes a similar approach to the coffee experience.
Maybe it’s because I grew up going to health food stores in the early ‘90s or my background as a yoga/meditation instructor, but incense always makes me feel nostalgic and helps me feel grounded, present, and safe. My go-to is the classic stick of Nag Champa, but lately I’ve been obsessed with the National Parks Collection of incense cones from Good and Well Supply Co, specifically Rainier and Isle Royale. The scents are all so nice, like a mini mental vacation to help you reset and focus.
The Midwest is often overlooked, especially when it comes to design and nature, but Michigan’s lakeshore is honestly one of the most beautiful places in North America. Regardless of the season, the trails around Lake Michigan boast an endless supply of inspiration. Around every corner there is something new to discover. Color inspiration is everywhere, from the hundreds of hues in the water to the rocky shorelines to the stunning sunsets. Blue-green waves, quartz and shale stones, pink horizons, and the fall colors! Please Google a Michigan shoreline in fall right now. If I could steal the color palettes of the lake and put them on everything, I would. Plus, for a few months of the year it warms up enough to enjoy swimming with friends.
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
Growing up in Seattle, Amy was always exploring the great outdoors but she found a particular thrill in traveling. During a visit to New York City at age 10, she knew that was where she wanted to live. After high school she left her home in the Pacific Northwest behind for the great unknown to attend Fordham University in the Bronx. Upon graduation, Amy received a phone call from CNN offering a job opportunity of a lifetime working in television ad sales at Manhattan's Time Warner Center. When a job opportunity in Los Angeles opened up a few years later, Amy couldn't say no to a new adventure back on the west coast. But Seattle eventually called her back home and Amy returned to pursue a Master's degree in Business Administration with the hopes of learning the skills she needed to feed her entrepreneurial spirit. Before graduating, Amy co-founded Paxson Fay with Tessa Andrews in 2015. Amy focuses on marketing strategy, public relations, social media, and partnerships.
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
communication specialist
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.
zoe mcphail
senior communications coordinator
zoe@paxsonfay.com
From San Francisco, California, Zoe moved to Seattle, Washington to pursue her undergraduate degree at the University of Washington. She graduated with a dual bachelor’s degree in Economics and Political Science. Shortly after graduation from UW, Zoe hopped across the pond to pursue her Master of Science in Urban Economics and Real Estate Finance at the London School of Economics. Focusing on Sustainable Development, she found herself drawn to adaptive reuse and preservation projects in the world of architecture and design. Building on prior marketing and social media experience, Zoe returned to the PNW in July of 2023 to work on social media strategy and content creation for clients at Paxson Fay.
martina povolo
communications assistant
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
communications assistant
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.