4770 Ohio Ave S
Ste B
Seattle, WA 98134
info@paxsonfay.com
The renovation celebrates the home’s rich history.
This building in Seattle’s Leschi neighborhood has many past lives. Built in 1927, it used to be an art studio for impressionist painter Louise Crow and a chapel. Now it’s home to Quynh-Vy Pham, restaurateur, James Beard semifinalist, and a member of Seattle’s legendary “first family of pho” (they own the Phở Bắc restaurants and other eateries throughout the city).
Quynh-Vy inherited the space from her brother, Khoa, who passed away in 2021. Khoa had purchased the property in 2016 with the idea that it would be his forever home. He had started interior demolition and painted the center window pink with black siding (a color scheme that echoes the family’s restaurants), but didn’t get a chance to finish it. So Quynh-Vy brought in the SHED Architecture team—whose studio neighbors the family’s iconic The Boat restaurant—to help complete the project.
“Quynh-Vy’s primary goal was to honor her brother’s vision while creating a home that reflects her own lifestyle as a chef, business owner, and host,” says Principal Prentis Hale. “She wanted a space that felt warm, social, and personal. It needed to hold the memory of her brother while also supporting new memories with family and friends. She envisioned an open layout that encouraged gathering, with connected spaces for cooking and entertaining, along with quiet corners for rest and reflection.”
The design team looked to the family’s restaurants for inspiration. “The family’s signature pink, which her brother had already painted around the central window, became a grounding reference point that connects the home to the street and to the legacy of their restaurant in Little Saigon,” says Project Architect Rebecca Marsh.
The buidling’s non-conforming structure, tight lot, and location (between two large houses) was a challenge for the SHED team. The down-to-the-studs remodel transformed the single-level 1,000-square-foot structure into a 1,858-square-foot two-bedroom, two bathroom home.
“From the onset of the project, we were dedicated to retaining the building for historical and emotional significance,” explains Prentis. “This choice and the constraints that followed ultimately drove the unique section of the building which we think is one of the largest successes of the project. The constraints in this project drove us to create a unique spatial solution that maximizes the available space and enhances the overall design.”
The main level is an open layout with living and dining areas and the kitchen—the double height of the space brings in natural light and connects the interiors to the outdoors.
Rebecca says the dining area that sits behind the lofted ceiling acts as the heart of the home, creating visual connection between both floors. The kitchen opens to a small backyard that features a fire pit, concrete bench, and outdoor cooking area.
It was important for Quynh-Vy to preserve elements of the original structure to honor the building’s history. A brass pendant that was used during the building’s chapel days now hangs in the stairwell. Structural beams from the dining loft were salvaged and reused. In the living room, the original studio’s window was refinished and repurposed. It now acts as guardrail for the staircase, an enclosure for the entry closet, and a visual anchor that connects the home’s past to its present.
“Material selection was rooted in that same spirit—blending history with practicality,” says Prentis. “For the exterior, we chose painted fiber cement shingles, which nod to the original cedar siding while offering a more durable, cost-effective solution. Inside, a light drywall finish is paired with warm walnut and pink accents, creating a palette that feels both personal and contemporary.”
The upstairs addition features two bedrooms that share a bathroom, plus a sitting room that overlooks the dining area and leads to a roof deck that faces the street. A compact mezzanine sits between the two levels and provides storage and houses mechanical systems.
“Throughout the home, shifts in ceiling height and clear sightlines help create an expansive feeling within a modest footprint,” says Rebecca. “The result is a layout that feels open and generous while remaining grounded in the scale of the original structure.”
The SHED team also collaborated with Space Theory to maximize the home’s storage. Some of the organizational solutions include a bench that runs the length of the main floor and functions as seating, storage, art display, and media center, plus upper cabinets on the dining wall that don’t take up floor space.
The completely transformed home is a unique, special space that’s inviting, functional, and storied. “The house functions as intended as Quynh-Vy is frequently entertaining friends and family,” says Prentis. “She enjoys the historical connection provided by the repurposed north-facing window at the stair, as it provides a link to the house’s past and its presence on Jackson Street which she walks daily to work.”
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.