4770 Ohio Ave S
Ste B
Seattle, WA 98134
info@paxsonfay.com

Seattle-based Miller Hull has been designing small, environmentally sensitive cabins in Washington State’s San Juan Islands since the firm’s inception in the late 1970s. The latest in this lineage is an 868-square-foot structure called Trestle Cabin.
“We’re still taking on small cabins because we feel they’re an important mission alignment for us that looks at small, humble, low-impact development,” Miller Hull principal Cory Mattheis says.
The clients have owned the property on Decatur Island for almost 20 years and have studied the southwest-facing site carefully. Decatur Island is a remote island in the Salish Sea, about 70 miles north of Seattle. Challenging site access—all of the building materials had to be brought over by boat—and the desire to preserve the steep sloping natural grade resulted in a scheme that suspends two living enclosures above the site within the canopy of madrona and fir trees, which was made feasible by the wood’s lightweight nature and ease of handling.
“One of the guiding principles [was] lightly touching the land,” Mattheis says. Another was the cabin’s adaptability over time and matching the correct materials for each component.
With such limitations, the materials palette was limited to those that passed tests for longevity and adaptability. A durable steel frame anchors the cabin, while the light-frame wood system delivers the adaptable, reconfigurable enclosure, enabling long-term flexibility. “We want to use something that requires less maintenance and can take the tough marine elements,” Mattheis says. Like old railroad trestles, wood is used for the secondary spans between the steel members. And the roof framing is Douglas fir two by tens with plywood sheathing.
“That set up an idea about a long-term adaptability and relevance throughout multiple generations and owners, the idea that someone could come in and reconfigure the light-wood framing pretty easily within that steel superstructure and adapt that program to varying or changing conditions that a different owner might have,” Mattheis says.
Beyond the supporting structure, the goal was to create a warm and welcoming retreat on the wind-swept island—while still maintaining a light touch. One strategy to conserve construction—to reduce materials, cost, and environmental impact—was to separate the living and sleeping spaces, connecting them with unconditioned, exterior circulation. The enclosed living spaces, dubbed modules, are built with light-frame Douglas fir and clad—inside and out—with cedar. Cedar sourced from the Cascades and milled locally in Edison, Washington, wraps each module, providing durability and a clear material tie to the region. “You get this really nice contrast between a dark cabin that recedes into the forest and then when you get inside, it’s this warm, saturated, cozy experience,” Mattheis says.
Miller Hull approaches all its cabin projects with the goal of reducing consumption. “We’re interested in doing the sort of minimum footprint that we can,” Mattheis says. By separating the living spaces from the sleeping spaces and having exterior circulation between those, there are no interior corridors as part of the thermal enclosure. “[The] covered outdoor space allows the owner to engage with this site and the weather and the elements on a frequent basis.”
Trestle Cabin adds beautifully to Miller Hull’s legacy of efficient and smart residential structures in the Pacific Northwest.
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.