Lee Bank Authentic Brand® Exploration, Brand update, Branch Design and Execution, In-Branch Digital Content Program Design

PROJECT: Your Authentic Brand® Exploration, Brand update, Branch Design and Execution, In-Branch Digital Content Program
CLIENT:  Lee Bank

 

Winner, NEFMA 2021 Best Branch Award

 


Community Roots Sprout a Growing Branch Network

Lee Bank chose to grow into a new community in Great Barrington, MA. Image 4 designed a completely fresh Brand Presentation and Signature Branch for this rapidly-growing institution.

PROJECT SERVICES


  • Brand Distillation & Presentation
  • Experience Design
  • Interior Design
  • Graphic Design
  • Construction Documents
  • Fabrication
  • Installation


Project Overview

Lee Bank’s Branch Project Group; Wendy Healy, SVP, Alison Brigham, Marketing Manager, and  Brandy McKee, Head of Retail Banking, commissioned Image 4 to re-conceive the Lee Bank in-branch experience and brand presentation to be more closely aligned to the values of the community in which they planned to expanded. The project needed to present the fresh new face of Lee Bank, enhance customer experience and Brand awareness, and improve employee “face-to-face” interaction with their customers.

Image 4 conducted a series of work groups exploring Lee’s culture, the community values, and a user-oriented technology dive. Discoveries informed our design approach in everything from physical layout to finishes to Brand Presentation. Working with Lee’s design-build firm, Image 4’s Interiors team completely redesigned the branch to eliminate “line-of-sight” issues and bring the bankers “closer to their customers” – a core Lee Bank Brand Value.

Finishes were chosen to reflect the regional Sustainability ethic, including re-purposed, recycled and natural finishes where appropriate. The scheme was designed to echo the colors of the local natural environment with a “dappled” floor covering, white marble counters that recall snowy winters and copper and yellow accents that feel like New England in Autumn.

Our “Technology Dive” revealed that much of in-branch customer-facing technology was old and scarcely used – yet was a desire in both the customer and employee ideals. To resolve and refresh the experience, we created an interactive wall that encourages visitors to explore the surrounding community: activity listings, community happenings, even a bird-cam feed were incorporated to much acclaim. Android and iPad tablets are deployed to link with Lee Bank educational content. The tablets also are used for training staff and customers on Lee’s “digital forward” tools.

Image 4 delivered build drawings to Lee’s design-build firm, and acted as Lee’s interior design firm and owner’s representative throughout the project. Our in-house shop fabricated and installed fixtures and brand graphics to complete the project, including a large-scale reclaimed-wood and copper lighted logo.

The design was extremely well received as a harmonious transition from old to new brand presentation, and as reflecting the community values across the Lee customer demographics. Technology and simplicity merged to highlight Brand and community.


 

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