How to present a consistent member experience across a family of credit union brands?

Ratio designed a forward-thinking branch concept for a fast-growing credit union with a visionary operational model.

Envision Financial is a part of the 40-plus First West Credit Union branch network.With a long history built on farming business in the Fraser Valley, Envision Financial is a vital member of the community. Branch members have a powerful connection to staff and the strength of this relationship is the framework for the branch network design.

Ratio was initially engaged to address the design of a community room in a single branch. However, after exploring the issues, we challenged First West to capitalize on a larger opportunity to make an impact with a cohesive branch design concept encompassing all their credit union brands. As a family of brands, an opportunity for First West to present a consistent member experience throughout the network became a driving force in the design.

Our design solution features open, engaging branch spaces that promote staff interaction and personal service. The member hall in the centre of the branch reinforces the member as foundation of the credit union. The design platform also introduces subtle aesthetic cues to acknowledge regional geographic and local demographic differences, while maintaining consistent functionality across the branch system. More branches will be renovated during the rollout, and First West plans to add new locations in 2015 and beyond.