by La Macchia Group
At the recent American Society of Interior Designers Design Excellence Awards, held on May 2nd, the La Macchia Group Interior Design team was honored to accept 8 Design Excellence Awards for 8 different projects. The awards received include 2 Gold, 3 Silver, and 3 Bronze.
Fitzsimons Credit Union
GOLD
Aurora, CO
Category: S06: Specialty - FF&E Planning (Space Planning, Finish Selections and/or Reconfigurations)
During their renovation, Fitzsimons Credit Union in Aurora, Colorado, conveyed their desire to integrate their brand throughout their entire branch, even down to the fabric choices in their furniture. The chairs in their member lounge incorporate both their brand colors and sharp lines, mirroring their logo. By incorporating these aspects into something as simple as the and embracing the clean aesthetic of their logo, Fitzsimons Credit Union has created a cohesive and visually appealing environment, while providing a comfortable waiting area.
Atlantic Regional Federal credit union
GOLD
Westbrook, ME
Category: C13: Contract - Institutional (Financial Institutions)
What made this build extremely unique was the incorporation of their branding and community into the physical build, both inside and out, as well as showcasing advanced technology to create an exciting and engaging environment to attract new members. Our interior design team took environmental branding to the next level by literally leveraging Atlantic's iconic "A" into the architecture of the building and incorporating the coast of Maine into the impressive state-of-the-art LED wall.
CATTARAUGUS COUNTY BANK
SILVER
Lakewood, NY
Category: S05: Specialty - Retail Showroom, Entertainment & Recreation
Cattaraugus County Bank in Lakewood, New York was looking to appeal to a more youthful customer-base, while having a strong brand presence in this branch. The design teams achieved this by creating casual, approachable waiting and meeting spaces throughout the building, and integrating the brand throughout every space. The success of this branch layout has a lot to do with their simple and inviting furniture, the sleek feeling allows the branding throughout the lobby to shine through without being overpowered. Positioned correctly, like seen in CCB, lobby furniture can create inviting, and private feeling spaces despite a very open floorplan.
Peoples credit union
SILVER
Webster City, Iowa
Category: C01: Contract - Office/Corporate: 9,999 SF and Below
PCU came to La Macchia Group looking for a way to accommodate their growing membership, and wanted to provide members with an updated space. The La Macchia Group team started with a Market Analysis, centered around growth, and determined their current main office in Webster City didn't have the space necessary for their determined growth goals. La Macchia Group remodeled their current lobby space, seen below, and built on over 4,358 sq. ft. of space for the credit union's growth. The decision to remodel the lobby area was necessary to reflect Peoples Credit Union's brand that their members look for. The lobby has modern feel, with strong brand colors and a clean finish throughout the area members spend the most time in.
mutual 1st federal credit union
SILVER
Omaha, NE
Category: C13: Contract - Institutional (Financial Institutions)
Mutual 1st Federal Credit Union came to La Macchia Group with the desire to build a new branch in Omaha, Nebraska, to accommodate their current and growing membership. After performing a complete market study, La Macchia Group presented Mutual 1st FCU with real estate options to continue the project. Working through every step of the new branch build with them certainly paid off as you'll see in the cohesive space that was created. The open floor plan provides members with an inviting atmosphere, while still giving privacy when needed with the use of the glass walled offices. The goal was to keep the interior simple, and by using mainly neutral colors the architecture was able to speak for itself. ITMs to the side of the welcome desk make simple transactions a breeze, while the space still allows for traditional transactions to be performed.
vibe credit union
BRONZE
Waterford, MI
Category: C02: Contract - Office/Corporate: 10,000 to 24,999 SF
Previous to the partnership between Vibe Credit Union and La Macchia Group, the Waterford location was both a full service branch, and an admin center. Now acting solely as an admin center, this transformation will support Vibe CU’s growth for many years to come.
Vibe Credit Union's brand colors are featured throughout the whole building, along with graphic accent walls, giving a modern and bright feeling. Numerous spaces are dedicated to collaboration throughout this building, reminding staff to value relationships, much like their approach with members. The open floor plan, break out spaces, and of course, prompts on the walls are great reminders that at Vibe Credit Union, the vibe matters.
First Class Community Credit Union
BRONZE
Des Moines, IA
Category: S06: Specialty - FF&E Planning (Space Planning, Finish Selections and/or Reconfigurations)
First Class Community Credit Union approached our design team with a unique challenge – the aftermath of a storm had left their branch in disarray, necessitating a complete interior remodel. The credit union wanted a functional space for members to feel comfortable in, meaning the furniture in the space was very important. Using a large, modular couch to break up the member lounge and the teller line creates a sectioned feel while still maintaining the openness of the lobby. The two tables, one on either end of the couch, act as two distinct areas for member interactions with both staff and amongst themselves.
Although furniture may often be overlooked in the planning stages of a financial institution's branch renovation or new build, its impact should not be underestimated. These details have the potential to significantly enhance the overall experience for both visitors and staff. From incorporating brand colors and logos to designing comfortable and welcoming lounge areas, these branches have demonstrated the transformative power of furniture in shaping the overall atmosphere of a branch.
cleveland state bank
BRONZE
Elkhart Lake, WI
Category: C13: Contract - Institutional (Financial Institutions)
The open floor plan provides customers with an inviting atmosphere, while still giving privacy when needed with the use of the glass walled offices. The kids area was extremely important to Cleveland State Bank, as they wanted to ensure the community felt welcome, with and without their children. The kids area features iPads with content that was customized for Cleveland State Bank and a compact seating area as well.
La Macchia Group and Vivalociti integrated an LED wall in their new conference room as well as other LED screens to act as digital displays throughout the build, giving Cleveland State Bank the chance to show their content and marketing efforts. Vivalociti is currently working with them to create the most impactful content to be displayed throughout the building.
