FOR THE LOVE OF DESIGN

FOR THE LOVE OF DESIGN – PART III

In previous blog posts, we asked a sampling of our designers what was a particular design that was important to them; something that inspired them, whether a building, a sculpture, a fast car, or even baseball cards!

This year follows the same format, keeping in mind that design can be a verb (design a building) or a noun (the design she came up with was award winning). Either way, here is what is important or inspiring to some of our designers.

Bob Welling – Project Architect

I love that after the work of architecture is complete, design can whisper to me. After drawings are checked, phone calls and e-mails are returned, and deadlines are met; I can appreciate the simple and subtle design of a kite and a good one is hard to find. I spent many a spring day as a child with my mom trying unsuccessfully to fly paper department store kites with cotton rag tails. I spent more time in college trying to build the perfect Tetra and had a beautiful red and blue example above my desk in studio at grad school. A decade ago, I stumbled upon a magnificent Cody in San Diego. The money turned me away at first, but fortunately I returned to the store just before I flew out. It has become one of my best flyers, and I always marvel at its craftsmanship. I’m lucky when I get to spend some time on the beach with my favorites. When I’m lucky enough, I will enjoy the deep blue sky and gentle breeze and punctuate it with a little color again.

Image Source

Sandy Tenhundfeld – Project Manager/LEED AP

What I love most about design is sharing it with my children. Whether it is something as simple as my daughter helping to decide how we hang a group of frames on the wall and what photographs or picture will use or working with my son and his Legos to create something totally different and unusual. By introducing them to design around the house, I feel they are growing their appreciation of design in the world and all the places design is present, from buildings to landscapes and even artwork or set designs at plays and musicals. Engaging children in design early helps to grow them in all areas of learning and life, from the arts to science and engineering.

Image Source

Rick Posey – Principal

Solving functional problems in a way that is pleasing to the eye – beauty. Design is how something works, not only how it looks or is perceived, but how it feels and functions for its intended purposes. This has been the driving force behind the success of Apple, because Steve Jobs demanded it. The Natural world of which we are a part, has behind it a hidden growth principal, the Golden Mean, or Ratio. A proportion found in the growth spiral of flowers, trees, animals and us. A sort of genetic code.

K4 Logo

Solving a design solution is like unlocking a puzzle, and watching magic be released. Looking at and feeling something for the first time. This is the Love of Design…..

Cynthia Braun – Interior Designer

What I love about design is the ever-expanding nature of the field. Design is always moving forward while also reflecting on the past. As architects and designers, we look for inspiration in our surroundings from the old tree house down the street to the new high rise in downtown. Every aspect of the built environment is based on a new idea drawn somehow or somewhere from the past. It is a profession purely limited by our own sense of discovery. It will never grow old as we continue to explore new boundaries and push the barriers of how we build, design and finish new spaces.

Image Source

< Older Post Newer Post >

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.