4770 Ohio Ave S
Ste B
Seattle, WA 98134
info@paxsonfay.com
Seattle studio SHED Architecture & Design has renovated a 1960s house designed by American architect Saul Zaik on a forested site overlooking Mount Hood in Portland, Oregon.
Originally built in 1963, the Mori House ushered in a new era in 2024. Its renovation honours Zaik’s design while catering to the clients’ modern minimalist style.
Zaik designed the house on a steep slope with the entrance sequence climbing down the slope. The north side of the house is open to the views – a hallmark of Pacific Northwest regional style that worked to integrate the landscape with natural materials and light.
“We inherited a great and unique structure, and the primary driver for the project engaged the principle of addition through subtraction,” Robert Arlt, architect at SHED Architecture & Design, told Dezeen.
The square, 345-square-metre (3,715-square-foot) house is centred around a skylight at the peak of the hip roof form.
“Given the task to reconfigure the circulation, remove the loft, and maximise natural light, the question we kept coming back to during the design investigation was how do we do that so the central skylight can organise and impact every space in the home?” Arlt said.
In order to clarify and expose the skylight, the team relocated functions to the perimeter of the plan, rather than collecting them at the centre.
The team worked to create a clear separation of private and public areas by reconfiguring the existing spiral staircase to a single-turn stair tucked along the southern entry.
“This allowed detailed interventions to engage the existing structure, including the slat screen wrapping the stairwell and primary suite hall to filter the light to the north spaces outside the core,” the team said, which added that it emphasised the house’s structural nail-laminated wood.
“On the primary level, there isn’t a room from which you cannot see and experience the light and in numerous, changing ways throughout the day and seasons.”
The renovation also increased the usability of the outdoor deck spaces, particularly on the basement level. The new configuration allows the lower level to open to the outside in two directions, taking advantage of the sloping terrain.
On the interior, the natural material palette links to the surrounding landscape through the exposed structural ceiling of refinished fir.
Meanwhile, the stone tile and volcanic stone countertops complement the ash, cedar, and vertical-grain fir finishes.
Outside, the team replaced the cedar cladding where needed and stained it a dark tone to help the house recede into the site.
SHED Architecture and Design emphasised the sustainability of reuse exemplified in the project.
“The single biggest sustainable aspect of the project is the reuse of the building,” the team said.
“Other features include the skylight and other large openings negate the need for artificial lighting and new dense pack insulation throughout, efficient windows, and a new furnace also reduce energy demand.”
Other recent residential renovations that SHED has completed include an update to a mid-century home by cartoonist Irwin Caplan, an overhaul inspired by circus tents and Japanese architecture and the conversion of a 1950s adult living facility into a single-family home — all in Seattle.
The photography is by Rafael Soldi.
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.