18 Hoosier Banker November 2016 OPERATIONS / TECHNOLOGY About the Author Jeff Klump is president, principal and founder of K4 Architecture + Design, Cincinnati. He has more than 30 years of experience in architectural and construction management, specializing in financial markets and retail development. Klump is affiliated with the American Institute of Architects and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, and he is a member of the building and facilities committee of the Diocese of Covington, Kentucky. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Cincinnati and can be reached at 513-842-5400, email: jklump@k4architecture.com. K4 Architecture + Design is an associate member of the Indiana Bankers Association. As design professionals in the financial arena, it is not uncommon to hear, “What is the branch of the future?” or “What is the competition doing that we should be thinking about?” This is a unique situation, because there is not a clear direction that has been established. For example our company is currently working on 15 to 20 projects, and no two are alike. Community banks need to be creative with their approach to the branch of the future, because innovation is a proven path to differentiation and competitiveness. The mentality of “this is the way that things have always been done” needs to be eliminated and replaced with a long-term commitment to branch transformation that goes well beyond technology upgrades. Bank branch design is evolving in a number of ways, including, but not limited to: • The decreasing size and footprint of the facilities; • The overall facility design, including exteriors and interiors; • The shift toward a more retail-oriented space; • The staff and types of personal services versus automation/technology; • The new role of the facility itself within the community. The new design basis should consider that people need to connect with others in order to feel confident about financial issues, but the delivery method can vary. Whether meeting privately or in an open banking environment, or in a high-tech or traditional branch – let people choose their preferred experiences in order to create confidence. Branch footprints will get significantly smaller as bank branches continue to evolve, due to the changes and types of services that will be provided. Multiple clients have inquired about reducing the overall size of their prototype branches, as well as how they might downsize their existing branches, and re-purpose the balance of the space for other uses or potentially other tenants. From the branch exterior to the interior, it will be important that community banks think about brand consistency. Branch exteriors will be more visible and inviting to customers, and will be more in line with retail-oriented facilities. The building exteriors will have an exterior-branded theme, such as the iconic architectural element, and a consistent pallet of materials and vibrant colors, to capture people’s attention and make the building stand out from the competition. New branch facilities should also be transparent, with plenty of glass to convey the message that they are open and inviting to the customer. Finally, the overall curb appeal can be enhanced with appropriate landscaping and exterior lighting to make the building a beacon to the community, both day and night. From the interior, the primary lobby spaces will be open, inviting and comfortable environments, with attractive color schemes that make a connection to the bank’s brand and to the community. The use of warm tones and soft curved features, combined with comfortable and attractive furniture, will add to the first impression upon entrance of the facility. The Branch of the Future
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTg3NDExNQ==