4770 Ohio Ave S
Ste B
Seattle, WA 98134
info@paxsonfay.com
Systems are reimagining their libraries not just as neighborhood branches but as community spaces to drive neighborhood and regional impact.
The feel-good story of the year is the reopening of the Bob Lucas Memorial Library and Literacy Center of the Altadena Library District, CA. Completed just months after the Eaton fires, this renovated and expanded 4,000 square foot neighborhood library, named after a beloved Black leader and literacy champion, brought a bright spot to the community. Inspired by nature, the library offers a striking street presence and an iconic façade, with dynamic roof lines and bright pops of green that nestle the building into the landscape. Inside, natural daylight enhances a welcoming environment with age-specific reading areas, meeting rooms, computer access, and a patio that extends the library into an indoor/outdoor experience, contributing to the community’s recovery.
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen theatrical steps, a playful slide, or a hanging sculpture in a library—but it’s the first time we’ve seen it all come together in a welcoming, joyous, color blast of an invitation to share in a multigenerational library experience! The Garland Central Library, TX, is a 60,000 square foot renovation of a 1970 building into a dynamic civic space inviting community members to participate. The children’s floor is an immersive environment where reading, play, exploration, and family connection come together. The design recognizes play as essential to early learning, creating a space that feels imaginative and distinctly designed for Garland’s families. The sculpture is part of a public art piece created with community participation, A Story Waiting to Be Told, celebrating Garland’s diversity and vibrancy.
We are seeing a confident embrace of resources for creatives, innovators, and entrepreneurs in libraries throughout the country. Houston Public Library’s TECHLink Vinson renovation is a 3,400 square foot example of a public library’s commitment to expanding access to creativity, learning, workforce development, and economic opportunity. This state-of-the-art industrial environment, with a production lab designed around a series of media spaces characterized by bold color blocking, is designed to ensure all styles of makers have the environment and tools to do their best work.
Co-location of civic amenities is trending, and more than ever families are requesting everything “under one roof.” Minnesota’s new Moorehead Community Center and Library, “The Loop,” is the next generation of a public building typology where learning, creating, and recreational activities are synergized and adjacent to help foster education, entrepreneurship, wellness, and fellowship. This handsome new community center and library is the central force in a local redevelopment project. The second-floor walking track forms the space’s perimeter, animating the entire library with nontraditional co-located activities seamlessly combined. Interiors are “a warm hug” of indigenous woods, and the building is targeting LEED Gold, a demonstrating that resiliency extends to a commitment to sustainability and stewardship.
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.
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.
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.
Helena Horton
Communications Assistant
helena@paxsonfay.com
Helena first joined the Paxson Fay team as an intern while studying Communications at the University of Washington, and joined the team full-time following graduation. Today, she contributes to custom content strategy, content creation, and events for the agency’s real estate and architecture clients. Outside of work, you'll find Helena enjoying the art of the analogue—from crafting to baking—and hiking trails across the Pacific Northwest.
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.