Project Description
The designer faced unique challenges in designing the interiors for this bank’s space.  Three separate bank entities – Retail Branch, Commercial Banking and Real Estate needed to be arranged appropriately within the approximately 9,000 square feet of available space. In addition, the desire for the interiors to be designed according to LEED-CI standards was critical to the building owner and wholly supported by the interior designer. The bank only required that the interiors look like a “traditional, downtown bank, while continuing a brand image that had been previously established by the designer.” The designer took this challenge to mean “design a space that is as sustainable as possible and as beautiful as possible, so that visitors won’t be able to immediately identify the bank as a “green” space.”

The designer shaped and sculpted the large volume of space by using different ceiling treatments, soffits and gypsum board beams in the private offices to help “lower the ceiling” from 16’. This allowed indirect light fixtures to be suspended in these offices and help them to feel more comfortable and not like a vertical tunnel. Traditional materials of marble and wood are showcased in all three areas of the space. The wood veneers used on the casework are PureBond, a material with high recycled content.  The rest of the casework throughout the space is EcoColors, a regional material with high recycled content.  All materials meet the requirement of low-VOC emissions and no urea-formaldehyde.The wood trim and interior doors in the space are Lyptus, a rapidly renewable resource. The custom carpet design, shape and orientation of the teller line, and decorative light fixtures combine with the coffered ceilings in the branch area to set the stage for the traditional design. The beautiful wax-embossed wallcovering acts to provide visual contrast against the other large surfaces in the space and has been a great conversation piece. The designer also placed an original oil painting by a local designer in the main branch that draws the eye toward the lounge area.

The designer installed a historical artwork package from the state’s Historical Society, highlighting local buildings from over 100 years ago. Clients and visitors alike enjoy learning about the city’s history as they move through the space.

Project Team