We recently completed design for a new credit union branch, now under construction, where we considered the use of teller "pods" in place of the traditional teller line, but due to concerns of the local staff over security we ended up using a teller line. Because so many basic financial transactions are now being done on-line, through ATM, direct deposit, etc. many financial institutions are looking to change the customer experience from a transactional one to a more personal customer service experience. On the other hand, there are more and more examples of "banks" that use only walk-up ATM-type video teller stations where the customer interacts with a bank teller that is in another location altogether. This certainly has the potential to dramatically increase efficiencies and reduce costs for larger financial institutions, but I am not sure how ready the public is to accept this type of set-up on a large scale, especially with the current distrust of large financial institutions among the general population.
Richard King Assoc. AIA
Project Manager
Dunn + Dalton Architects, P.A.
Greenville NC
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Original Message:
Sent: 05-23-2012 17:48
From: Russell VerPloeg
Subject: Design Trends in Financial Institutions
I would like to hear from Architects with knowledge of design of branch Banks and Credit Unions. What trends and innovations in design do you see in that building type? .....especially interior design? ....for example, a "pod environment" for client services. Can you direct me to any published sources for this information? Thank you for your input.
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Russell VerPloeg AIA
President
Ver Ploeg Architecture
Des Moines IA
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