LOCAL COMPANY COLLABORATION EXPLORES THE ART OF COUPLING PRESERVATION WITH MODERNIZATION

What do you get when you mix two local companies working on a local historical project? An exercise in preservation with a twist of modernization. Cincinnati based K4 Architecture & Design teamed with the Rookwood Pottery Company for the opportunity to work on an addition to one of the libraries first opened by Andrew Carnegie in 1903, the Avondale Branch of the Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County.

If you have ever been to the Avondale Library, there’s no doubt you have stopped to marvel at the ornate tile entrance. What better way for the Avondale branch to commemorate 100 years of success and service to the community than to team up with a company with 150 years of experience in hand crafted tile under their belt. Here is a firsthand look at our collaboration and process with the Rookwood Pottery Company.

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Using the Tools Available to Keep Local History Alive

When we were given the opportunity of designing an addition to this beautiful and historic Spanish Colonial style library, we welcomed the challenge. We met with Rookwood Pottery for an initial discussion about the scope and design for the Avondale branch. I’m fairly certain that the level of craft of the original entrance could have been achieved by Rookwood, but the realities of time and cost steered us towards a strategy of creating an appropriate scope for this secondary entrance to the library. Our goal was to enhance the addition with hand-crafted tiles that emulated the historic, grand entrance. We wanted to make this second entrance eye catching, so we decided on a decorative tile arch as well as a circular plaque to represent the 100 year anniversary.

This plaque depicts an open book with the original façade on one side of the page and the new addition on the other. We worked together to come up with some preliminary designs.

PRELIM SKETCHES

The intent of the tile design was to maintain the tradition and language of the existing building, while also utilizing present day technologies and production capabilities to create something fresh and fun. The color palette and some of the tile patterns can be found on the existing entrance, while the arched tiles rest on a stack of books verse a more traditional bracket.

Teamwork and Process

It’s one thing to sketch a picture on paper and something entirely different to create that image into a three-dimensional sculpture. I had no idea how many designers are involved with the Rookwood design process. We worked primarily with Allan Nairn; but met mold makers, sculptors, glazing specialists, tile installers and a very cute pup named Leonard, throughout the process. Whether we were resolving technical problems on how to flash the keystone or deciding which glazing color combinations popped the most; the creativity, opinions and ideas shared only added to the success of the design. We met several times to review the level of detail, verify glazing techniques, and choose a color palette, along with other various intricate details…

I always felt more inspired after visiting Rookwood, proof that inspiration for creativity often comes from stepping outside your everyday surroundings.

Learning about the Craft of Another Lends Appreciation

I once thought the profession of architecture had a lot of variables… zoning hearings, budget, lackadaisical plumbers…. until I understood the process of ceramics.

After shaping and forming the clay into the desired design, the piece is moved to a damp room to allow the clay to slowly dry. This helps to prevent cracking. At this stage, most of the moisture has left the clay and the pieces are loaded into the kiln for the first firing or bisque firing. After this step, the glazing process begins.

We met at Rookwood to discuss the various colors and techniques. Due to the traditional nature of the existing entrance, we wanted to achieve a more traditional look. We agreed on the antiquing technique for the tiles and chose more natural, subdued colors for the glazes, compatible with the original entrance. Then the tiles are loaded once again for the final, glaze firing at 2185 F.

A Grand Culmination of Collaborative Efforts

There’s nothing like watching someone balancing a 30” ceramic plaque on top of scaffolding ten feet in the air which made the grand installation as nerve-racking as it was exciting! We couldn’t have been more pleased with the design and outcome. It was a great experience and benefit to collaborate with creative professionals to inspire and create successful designs…and it feels even better when working together to preserve local history.

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PANTONE COLOR OF THE YEAR 2024 IN CORPORATE OFFICE INTERIOR DESIGN

By Jeff Klump • 20 Dec, 2023

In the dynamic world of corporate office interiors, staying ahead of design trends is crucial to creating spaces that not only inspire productivity but also reflect the latest aesthetic sensibilities. As a firm specializing in corporate office design, K4 embraces Pantone's Color of the Year for 2024 - Peach Fuzz. This warm and inviting hue offers a fresh perspective on creating contemporary workspaces that balance sophistication and comfort and an opportunity to infuse sophistication, and a touch of modernity into the corporate design landscape. Peach Fuzz, a delicate and nuanced shade blending peach and blush, brings a sense of tranquility and optimism to any space. When incorporated into corporate office interiors, this color has the power to redefine the atmosphere, promoting a positive and collaborative environment. K4 is committed to enhancing the workplace experience, and we recognize the significance of color in influencing mood and productivity.

FACILITY DESIGN FOR RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION

By Jeff Klump • 07 Nov, 2023

In the dynamic landscape of community banking, where the strength of relationships is paramount, the role of design extends beyond aesthetics—it becomes a strategic catalyst for talent acquisition and retention. In an era where attracting and retaining top talent is pivotal for organizational success, the significance of an intentionally designed workspace cannot be overstated. In this article, we delve into how strategic design decisions can not only enhance the physical environment but also foster a culture of engagement, innovation, and long-term commitment among employees, contributing to relationship building and the overall prosperity of community banks. Join K4 on this journey through the intersection of design and community banking, where the blueprint for success lies in the spaces we create for those who make our banks the heart of the community.

THE JOURNEY TO BRAND CONSISTENCY: PART II UNIFYING PHYSICAL & DIGITAL MARKETING ASSETS IN THE BANKING INDUSTRY

By Nicole DeRogatis • 07 Nov, 2023

In the previously published Journey to Brand Consistency: Part I, K4 addressed Facilities, Marketing & People as the three pieces that comprise the Financial Success Puzzle for community banks. This article examines one level deeper in unifying physical and digital marketing assets within the Financial Success Puzzle, and the importance of creating a harmonious and powerful brand identity across all platforms. In the fast-paced and ever-evolving community banking industry, maintaining a strong and recognizable brand presence is vital for success. As a full-service design and branding firm working closely with community banks, we have witnessed the transformative power of consistent marketing assets in bridging the gap between the physical and digital realms. By solidifying the customer experience across all touchpoints, banking institutions can establish a stronger emotional connection with their customers and create a lasting impact on their success. Investing in brand consistency is not only a strategic move but also a reflection of a bank's commitment to their own stability and future growth.

THE JOURNEY TO BRAND CONSISTENCY: HOW FACILITIES, MARKETING & PEOPLE CREATE THE FINANCIAL SUCCESS PUZZLE

By Jeff Klump • 07 Nov, 2023

Now more than ever, brand consistency is of utmost importance to financial institutions. Creating brand consistency goes a long way in building brand trust, increasing customer/employee/community loyalty, and impacting your bottom line. Why is there so much brand inconsistency in the community banking landscape? Because being brand consistent requires change and commitment, and it can be tedious and expensive. Taking the first step is often overwhelming. Where do you start? What do you update first? These are excellent questions, but there are other important questions to consider. What is the cost of NOT getting brand consistent or what is the cost or potential loss of creating brand confusion? Inconsistencies are costing your bank time and money. Not practicing brand consistency will cost you significant consequences to customer experience, brand reputation, and overall loss of trust – all of which can impact your bottom line. Conflicting brand usage accounts for a damage to brand credibility, making it harder to compete in the market. As K4 gets ready to hit the road in 2023, presenting at various community banking conferences on this topic, we thought it was important to preamble this timely subject of the Financial Success Puzzle. At K4, we define the Financial Success Puzzle as a 3-piece formula to creating and maintaining brand consistency for community banks. This formula is simply the act of connecting people to place and connecting brand identity to place. Many retailers have capitalized on this concept for years. Your branch facilities, marketing & people MUST work together to create stability and not only that…they must be triplets, not just siblings. They can’t just resemble one another; they need to be nearly identical in their delivery.

MAKING ROOM FOR THE COMMUNITY

By Jeff Klump • 08 Dec, 2022

For decades, small town business districts across America have featured a strong physical presence from a local bank perspective. Near the courthouse or city hall, these buildings are often identified by their traditional columns and prominent facades of brick or stone. Not only do these structures help establish the fabric of the streetscape; they often contribute to defining the social framework of the residing individuals and neighborhoods, supporting the hopes and dreams of generations. Community banks need to continue to reinforce their presence and values to those individuals and businesses in the geographic areas they serve. Making your bank’s physical appearance memorable, builds brand awareness and offers an opportunity to reinforce the benefits of banking locally which includes working with trusted friends and neighbors. Many community banks are exploring ways to create community space by revitalizing main offices and branch experiences while positioning themselves as a valuable and integral local resource.

SAME RETAIL BRANCH, DIFFERENT CUP OF JOE? THINK AGAIN!

By Jeff Klump • 07 Nov, 2022

Let’s first explore how the definition of the coffee shop has evolved…from simply being a beverage offered at a restaurant to an actual stand-alone destination, service and experience that provides and encourages co-working space, meeting opportunities, and community gathering.