Consumer Banking Architecture

Architectural Trends for Bank Branches and Retail Locations

For many years, ARCWERKS has been working with bank clients to reimagine bank design to better serve the changing needs of bank customers and staff. As online banking, drive-up tellers, and walk-up ATMs have changed the way people use banks, we are designing more attractive and functional spaces.

While financial institutions require fewer tellers, there is growing demand for more customer service representatives to help with complex services like private loans or mortgages. Banks need more private spaces for staff to consult with customers on their own financial needs.

On average, most people visit their stand-alone branch bank only a couple times a year. Banks have had to take a different approach are looking to meet customers where they are — shopping!

The trend in the banking industry is to build fewer stand-alone traditional branch buildings and focus more on updating existing facilities and find more opportunities to bring banking to their customers.

For some banks, the solution is found in partnering with a large retail store and build a small branch office inside the store. Customers enjoy the convenience of taking care of banking while shopping; no need to make a special stop. While some retail bank locations are staffed like a small branch office, many use secured tablet systems, ATMs, and interactive teller machines (ITMs) to support customers’ banking needs.

A few of our favorite architecture design projects for banks show how we are helping clients meet the challenges of their changing industry.

In-store Banking — Meeting customers where they are

Re-thinking Bank Branch buildings — Creating a better experience for customers and staff