4770 Ohio Ave S
Ste B
Seattle, WA 98134
info@paxsonfay.com
It is clad in striking yakisugi siding.
The backyard of this Lafayette, California, ranch-style house was large, but uninspired. It didn’t have any outdoor gathering spaces and seating areas. So, the owners—a couple with two young sons—brought in architect Mahya Salehi (who partnered with Strata Inc. Landscape Architects) to create a one-bedroom ADU, plus a new pool, BBQ area, and outdoor spaces for entertaining.

R. Brad Knipstein
The couple wanted the ADU to serve two purposes: as a dedicated office for the husband who works primarily from home, and as a pool house for family gatherings, weekend entertaining, and hosting out-of-town guests.

R. Brad Knipstein
“The goal was for the ADU to flex between these uses: a quiet workspace during the week and a social hub for friends and guests on weekends, with the ability to host overnight visitors multiple times a year,” explains Mahya. “Using California’s ADU code allowed us to build in areas of the property that were otherwise unbuildable under traditional zoning. We designed the pool and ADU together as a unified composition, positioning it at the west edge of the property and placing the pool to the east for all-day sun. The alignment between the two creates a balanced, cohesive outdoor experience.”
Mahya says a connection between the ADU and the main house was also key. The clients had wanted a covered or semi-covered walkway that linked the two structures, but there was a concern about blocking natural light, so Mahya and team designed a trellis-like roof overhang as a compromise.

R. Brad Knipstein
The ease of California living was the inspiration for the design, both inside and out. “We thought of the architecture as a solid mass with the interior carved from its core,” Mahya explains. “We developed the interior palette alongside the architecture. We envisioned bright plastered walls, warm oak cabinetry, an intentional layering of colors and textures as the inner belly of the dark, moody, and modern structure. This back-and-forth play with contrast between the exterior and interior finishes is dynamic and playful. After dark, the structure blends with the night sky and the interiors glow like a warm and cozy lantern in the backyard.”

R. Brad Knipstein
As for the layout, the ADU features three distinct zones: a private office, a central open-plan living space, and an indoor-outdoor bathroom. The heart of the ADU is the living space, which was designed to feel casual and effortless. The round skylight in the kitchen filters soft light through the space.

R. Brad Knipstein
The home office features a deep blue palette, chosen to create a calming environment optimized for productivity and focus. But there’s a surprising element: a playful snow leopard rug from Jonathan Adler.

R. Brad Knipstein
“Each room opens to the outdoors: the office has sliding doors beneath the oak canopy, the living area onto the pool deck, and the bathroom through a steel door leading to the outdoor shower,” Maya says. “Together, these connections create a continuous flow of movement and light, which is a true reflection of California indoor-outdoor living.”

R. Brad Knipstein
Outside, the ADU features striking black siding—specifically Gendai® from Nakamoto Forestry, which is the brand’s most popular yakisugi cladding product (Japanese cedar preserved via a heat treatment that leaves the surface charred). In addition to its aesthetically appealing look, yakisugi is also fire- and termite-resistant, and it weathers beautifully.

R. Brad Knipstein
“I’ve always been drawn to black cladding,” says Maya. “With Nakamoto Forestry’s yakisugi, we got the depth and drama, but also a softness from the natural grain. It’s alive in the California sun—the way it shimmers and subtly shifts makes it perfect for a structure so connected to the outdoors.”

R. Brad Knipstein
The family has gotten a lot of use out of the ADU. It’s a productive space, a weekend hangout, and a space for the couple’s children to play with their friends. “They’ve already hosted several gatherings, and the space has adapted beautifully to each occasion. For them, it feels like a natural extension of their home, one that reflects how they truly live,” Mahya adds.
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.