Paul Moon
Paul Moon, an Oregon native and graduate of the University of Washington, founded Paul Moon Design in 2001. Paul is best known for his strong ability to work across a diverse range of architectural styles, and for his drive to create harmony with the site through the layering of interior design and landscape. Paul’s practice is defined by a high level of involvement in each project, guiding the client, contractor and other team members to create a smooth project experience. His designs consistently emphasize high-quality materials and detailed craftsmanship.
Based in Seattle and San Diego with his wife Katrina, and father to two daughters living in LA, Paul has emphasized a company culture of balance—the firm was founded on the fundamental belief that time is our currency in this life. A balance of work and life has allowed the firm to foster remarkable staff continuity, a high level of creativity, motivation, and productivity to consistently deliver exceptional design.
What drew you to design?
Paul's lifelong passion for architecture was ignited during childhood when his father built out his dental office. Every day that summer, Paul got to witness the process and connect with the builder (who began bringing two lunches—one for himself, and one for Paul). He quickly realized he would become an architect. Years later, when Paul designed a home for his parents, the builder who inspired him all those years ago was able to see where the journey into design led him.
Michelle Basilio
Michelle Basilio, an Arizona native, relocated to Seattle after college and found a home at Paul Moon Design. Having been on the team for more than a decade, Michelle ensures a smooth rollout for each design project through administration, documentation, communication and logistics, while offering the design team support through drafting and 3D modeling. As the first point of contact for clients, contractors and other project team members, Michelle is a key problem solver and support system at the nexus of every project.
Michelle’s high level of detail and strong work ethic are powered by her life outside of work as a mom to a young daughter; spending quality time with her family, friends, and fitting in as much reading and learning as she can.
What drew you to design?
Michelle’s interest in design was sparked at a young age when in elementary school, a teacher assigned the class to draw a bird’s eye view of their homes—she became fascinated with the varying floor plans. Growing up in Tucson during a time when a lot of new development was moving in, Michelle found herself browsing spec homes to further discover different uses of space, and how design decisions impact the flow and opportunity of a home. Her analytical eye pairs well with her natural administrative strengths, making her work at Paul Moon Design a fruitful mix of both.
Jon Fahr
Jon Fahr brings extensive experience drafting, 3D modeling and designing final construction documents to the Paul Moon Design team. Jon ran his own architecture and design company alongside his brother for many years, and is now able to leverage his experience working alongside builders to be a bridge between the design team and the contractors and subcontractors onsite. As the liaison and problem-solver making a smooth construction process possible, Jon ensures the structural and overall enduring quality of the finished homes.
An Arizona native, Jon and his wife moved to Bend to better be able to ski, camp, and enjoy the wide range of nature Oregon offers. From Bend, Jon joins the Paul Moon Design team virtually and visits projects in-person regularly.
What drew you to design?
Jon’s older brother, an architect, suggested they partner on a company focused on rendering and design. This was before digital rendering was widely available, and the practice of toggling between plans, perspective drawings, and site visits for a wide variety of architectural styles exposed Jon to more detail and practical experience than is widely available today.
Melissa Blackmer
Melissa Blackmer is a Washington native and graduate of the University of Washington. As the Interiors Lead at Paul Moon Design, Melissa joins projects early to ensure a cohesive relationship between the architecture and interior design. She works with the design team to collaboratively determine room size, shape and flow, and she consults with the homeowners to translate their perspective into a space that feels harmonious, functional and beautiful. Her work ranges from finish materials to fully furnishing projects.
At her small farm on Whidbey Island, Melissa is always working to make improvements to her space — big or small. Her work is underscored by the belief that the spaces we surround ourselves with are an important part of who we are and how we live our lives. Bringing this belief to her work, Melissa places an emphasis on the stories her clients bring; translating them into homes that are tailored and highly personal.
What drew you to design?
With both parents at work in the world of decor and construction, Melissa was exposed to design at a young age. Her degree in Art History and travels to Europe furthered her sensitivity to the mix of art, design and architecture. This continued in her early work life, starting at a custom home furnishings company managing a large contingent of interior design sales associates before moving into interior design consulting. Her work at Paul Moon Design allows her to leverage her experience with a wide variety of aesthetic styles into homes that feel one-of-a-kind.