The Scenario
AMOCO Federal Credit Union, a Member Owned Cooperative Organization, was seeking a strategic partner to usher in change with a new prototype branch in Clear Lake, Texas that would serve as a platform for future growth.
The Solution
Activating an experience strategy program, we worked with AMOCO to uncover their branch purpose – resulting in a fresh new look in this new location. Leveraging functional and forward-thinking design, AMOCO’s prototype branch establishes a clear vision for how they want their brand to powerfully and consistently show up for their members in their markets.
The Story
With an established brand they had a lot of pride in, AMOCO wanted their branches to reflect a warm welcome for members and shine a spotlight on the service-first mindset the credit union is known for.
Acting on a call to refresh their interiors to match their brand, the prototype branch needed to feel inviting and modern without being overly trendy. A successful member and staff experience inside the branch sets the stage for AMOCO’s future network expansion.
Selecting a site that had once been home to another bank provided the perfect opportunity to create this refreshed member experience. The interior construction required a complete renovation and redesign of the space.
The new branch floorplan features an open concept, employs teller pods instead of teller lines, and incorporates a functional multipurpose office space. The branch’s exterior design efficiently utilized existing banking infrastructure with some modifications, like reconfiguring the drive-thru to remove pneumatic tubes and incorporate new ITM technology.
The team designed a new North Star experience and reimagined the space to provide flexible functionality for staff. The distinguished design features timeless elements like a coffered ceiling and recessed oak paneling to warm up the lobby. Amplifying the water theme for a branch near Galveston Bay, the brand’s existing blue and green color palette, along with and a pop of orange, results in a vibrant, modern interior.
With efficiency built into the design, AMOCO plans to incorporate core elements – like video banking, teller pods, ITMs and multipurpose spaces – into all of their future branch designs across their growing network.
