what we do // Design Solutions // Architectural Design

Architectural Design for Banks & Credit Unions

we leverage expert architectural insights to build a branch that works for you.

BENEFITS

a well-designed branch is a profitable investment in your business.

Before we approach the drafting table, we work with your institution’s management to refine your strategic direction, build consensus, explore customer strategies, and identify potential brand challenges as they pertain to your retail banking space. Then comes the fun part.

architectural expertise

Leverage our insights into the latest — and projected — trends in credit union and bank architecture.

custom millwork & furniture

From teller pods and cash drawers to media cabinets and check-writing stations, our designers create solutions tailored specifically to your branch.

merchandising & signage

Guide customers and promote your products and services with eye-catching posters, brochures, custom display stands, and kiosks.

expert project management

With close attention to detail, we develop project plans that optimize your retail banking space and support day-to-day activities.

strategic planning & executive decision support

Prior to the architectural design phase, we assist your team with:

Strategic & financial planning
Branch development
Site selection & purchase
Business growth & network expansion analysis

architectural space assessment

We assess your current bank or credit union location(s) to strategically identify opportunities for growth or optimization. We’ll analyze how each department uses its space, then develop specific architectural recommendations for your building’s size, keeping future organizational objectives in mind.

A group of coworkers sitting at a table looking at papers.

information gathering

With the help of our experienced credit union and bank architects, we use a series of activities to gather information that will be crucial to the collaborative development of your design strategy. Discussion sessions with your management team will:

Help refine our strategic direction
Build consensus around structural and aesthetic decisions
Explore member strategies, brand issues, products & services, and physical & electronic networks

architectural design development

We use development activities to integrate retail strategy concepts into architectural and interior design. The goal is to maximize the effective use of space to create a positive selling environment, both inside and outside. Credit union and bank design elements may include:

Traffic patterns
Dwelling points
Lines of sight
Technology deployment
Sales culture
Merchandising

Shapes

Ready to get started?

Learn how we gather crucial insights to inform your credit union or
bank architecture.

Talk to Us

Testimonials

our clients talk

The way Mac manages [our] relationship is not just through the products and services. He engaged us on our needs, always kept in touch, and always centered the conversation on our vision.

Ismael “Ish” Eustaquio

Senior Vice President Retail Banking Division

Hawaii State Federal Credit Union

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I LOVE our new branch! It’s awesome and an experience like no other! Everyone that stops in loves it too!

Corey Dahle

Chief Experience Officer

Idaho Central Credit Union

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Element came up with a bold new design for our Headquarters building. We are extremely satisfied with our beautiful, functional, and employee-centric new home. It felt like we worked side by side to accomplish a huge achievement — all during a pandemic!

Robb Scott

President/CEO

Copper State Credit Union

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Every bit matters. Not only is this our tagline, but it's also a motto that we strive to live up to. The difference between good and great is minute. We can't lose sight of the small details that truly separate excellence.

Nate Baldasaro

Co-founder

The Element Group

The Element Story

It wasn’t just about the job at hand, but care and drive to focus on a common cause.

Kacey Clayborn

Facilities Manager

Opportunity Bank

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We had a vision and everyone at Element bought into it right away with their customizations. Nothing Element did was off the shelf. What resulted was a welcoming space that physically shows our connectedness to the community and helps us deliver on our mission — to provide strong financial futures for Montanans.

Pete Johnson

CEO

Opportunity Bank

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Inspired by our clients’ success stories?

Unlock more real-world examples and insights with our 2025 Branch Budgeting Blue Book.

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