Pub. 1 2020 Issue 6

www.cbak.com 18 In Touch S ometimes it starts as a simple vision. It could be an idea or a sketch on a napkin. Or sometimes, it begins as a casual conversation. I am the owner of Shelden Architecture and in my experience, starting up a conversation is a great way to brainstorm and gather ideas for a project before anything is ever put on paper. I prefer to do it while taking a walk. By that, I mean walking down the project path and exploring for a while. What do you see for the future of your banking business? That initial research phase is a fun and exciting time. It’s a “shoot-for-the-moon” kind of stage and absolutely nothing is off-limits. We love to take time to walk and dream alongside our clients. First, we start by asking questions about our client’s business plan. A banking facility should be more than a building. It should reflect who the company is, what they stand for, and where they see their financial institution going into the future. How do they want their bank represented? What are they trying to tell the world about their company? It’s important to uncover these ideas to be on the same path as our client and their ultimate vision. Some banks have a very clear picture of the kind of structure and environment they seek to create. Some want to feel very cutting-edge or super sleek — like an Apple Store, but for banking. Other institutions prefer to create a friendly, hometown or coffee-shop vibe. Still others take the traditional route. In this raw conception phase, we recommend visiting different facilities and spaces with our clients. Sometimes that means taking a trip to Kansas City, Denver or Chicago. And sometimes that means taking an actual walk down the street. We’ll look at the buildings we’ve created. We’ll go to structures designed by other firms. There’s something truly invaluable to experiencing BY STAN SHELDEN, PRINCIPAL OF SHELDEN ARCHITECTURE SHELDEN ARCHITECTURE LET’S TAKE A WALK