FOR THE LOVE OF DESIGN…

The main rotunda is inviting but at the same time overwhelming with the sign and complexity of the structure. I am always fascinated by the Art Deco design and the intricacies of it. I can look at the tile mosaics for hours. How the artists were able to create such gorgeous murals with the tiniest of tile pieces amazes me.


Matt Remar, CADD


I love the design of contemporary stadiums. I love how the current design trends of stadiums have transformed from traditional functional structures into distinctive landmarks providing civic identify and pride. One particular stadium I am fascinated with is Estádio Municipal de Braga in Portugal.

I find this sporting arena captivating because of the intentional use of the topography. I like the obvious choice to incorporate an existing hill with the stadium seating and the incorporation of “the cheap seats” high on the cliff. I love how this entire design encapsulates the playing field yet still provides adequate openness that doesn’t suffocate the interior. I love how the interior and exterior symmetry was designed in a contrasting manner. The seating is mirrored evenly on both sides yet the exterior appearances of the grand stands are completely opposite. I love how this designer envisioned a grandiose gathering place for the local inhabitants on an elevated site above the city. This site showcases Estádio Municipal in such a manner that it makes it inclusive to the entire city. The hill top site location provides and extra dynamic of excitement by adding intrigue and awe upon approaching and entering this signature structure. On a traditional open and flat site this stadium design would possess minimal identity. The use of the terrain combined with a simple, sensible and functional design makes this stadium very attractive to me!


Tricia Bertke, Designer/LEED AP


What I love about design is that you can find it anywhere. You can find it in the shape of your favorite coffee mug, the eye-catching text on a café menu, the styles introduced in this season’s fashion trends, the scale and comfort of the park around the corner, or by simply walking down the street. There’s a whole world of things that can inspire creativity, you just have to open your eyes and look!

Grania Frueh, Graphic Designer


I love everything about Findlay Market, it has such beautiful architecture and is a wonderful reminder of the city’s rich history.

The market is filled with color; from the building awnings, signage, and maps to the smells, sights, and sounds of the vendors. The Findlay Market identity and way finding designs really capture the soulful spirit of the area and just reel customers in.


Aaron Andriacco, Designer/LEED AP


I love design that evokes emotion and changes attitude. Going through some photos I took last month, I came across the Toyota FT-1 concept and was immediately reminded of the visceral feeling I had when seeing the car.

While the car sat stationary, this design had me instantly imagining the sound of the engine at high revolutions, shifting of gears, the pull of acceleration. It’s a design so well done that it gives you a taste of the function, that’s impressive and inspiring.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
27 Jun, 2022
Each January, Pantone announces the color of the year that reflects forecasted color trends in fashion, beauty, and design. This year and for the second
27 Jun, 2022
Helping customers feel at home at your bank can increase the likelihood they’ll come inside and want that personal connection with your branch. There’s a
27 Jun, 2022
Interested in learning about Post Pandemic Design Solutions? Read below for details. We do not have a crystal ball or be able to see into
27 Jun, 2022
How Credit Unions Can Connect to the People They Serve. For decades, small town business districts across the country have almost always featured a strong
Jun 21, 2022
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