FOR THE LOVE OF DESIGN

FOR THE LOVE OF DESIGN – PART II

In 2014 we did a post called For the Love of Design in honor of Valentine’s Day. We would like to repeat that blog post and give other K4 team members a chance to share their thoughts and love of all things design!

Machi Lutz – Designer

I love the design of the Washington Park and OTR area in Cincinnati. This square or block reminds me of the Italian piazzas with great architecture surrounding a multipurpose plaza where people can relax. These spaces evoke cultural and memorable experiences. Whether you are taking your 9-year old child out to get Holtman’s Donuts then looking for PokeStops at Washington Park or looking for that unique gift, this centralized area is an interesting place. Washington Park is great for all ages and families. Kids in the summer can jump in the fountain area and playground while families with dogs can enjoy the dog park. If you are by yourself, you can relax and enjoy the surrounding architecture of the historical Music Hall, revitalized houses and restaurants. Throughout the year there are events like movies, 5k races, and small performances. Get out to this area and create your own memories!

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Julie Morgan – Designer

My love for design increases every day as a new designer who just graduated from design school. It originally developed from my interest in imagery and renderings. I love the ability to create a design and then portray its emotion and spatial connection through texture, shadows, and scale. Most clients do not capture the full sense or scale of a space through a floor plan, and I believe a render can really connect a person to the designer and to the spaces they create. Architecture and designing is more than just creating a floor plan or a structure. It is about connecting and creating a space for the client, and that is what I love about design.

BIG’s proposal for a St. Petersburg, Florida pier Image Source

Brian Bruner – Designer

I am a big fan of ancient and classical architecture – structures that were built “too well” and lasted for thousands of years. The Ziggurat of Ur is one of these structures. I am amazed at the craftsmanship, the geometrical precision and curious as to how these structures were created without the use of modern machinery. The techniques and knowledge lost to time generate a mystery and a wonder in architecture. Modern structures that come to mind are the Bird’s Nest in China and the Water Cube; the Louvre. These buildings evoke such feelings and most importantly, they evoke a sense of community, representing more than just mass produced copies. They represent a sense of culture and identity. Creativity. A moment in time. This is what I love.

The Ziggurat of Ur Image Source

Jason Millstone – Senior Designer

I personally love baseball cards. I am an avid collector and I display them like tiny little 2 5/8” x 3 1/2” pieces of artwork. Many will argue of their favorite year or brand of cards. Most of the high end collectors tend to stick to the early 50’s. Topps and Bowman made artistic cards. Many will argue that the Topps 1952 Set is the holy grail, however I personally like the 1953 set. Large artistic portraits that take up the whole card, smaller borders, more color. The 1953 Topps set is my favorite design for a baseball card. Topps has reintroduced the 1953 design into some of its newer cards in a Topps Heritage Series. It was great to get some of today’s great players on the throwback design. Baseball Cards will always keep me young. And the vintage designs will always keep me in love with the hobby!

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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.