GRADUATION SEASON – ADVICE FOR THE NEW GRADUATES!

Graduation season is upon us, and many graduates are embarking on new and exciting adventures! In honor of this exciting time, we asked our team to reflect on their time as co-ops during college – and give some advice to those students in the architecture and design field who are just starting in the industry.

Kelli Plummer – Designer

1.Be a sponge.

You will not know everything when you start out. When I started in school before my first co-op, theory-based design was the main part of the curriculum. None of my classes showed me the nitty gritty details of what makes up a wall section or how that ceiling actually stays up. The first couple co-ops are extremely helpful in teaching you this side of architecture – that isn’t all the glamorous design you see on the outside – but rather what is behind all of it.

2. Ask questions.

The coworkers you have are extremely knowledgeable and are willing to help you out if they can (and teach you a trick or two in programs!)

3. Find work that will challenge you.

This type of learning was one of the most important things I look for in a co-op and full-time position. I strongly recommend finding work that will push you out of your comfort zone. It will make you a well-rounded designer and learn more about the field by having to face tougher challenges in projects.

4. Use your co-ops and internships to learn what you like about the field and experiment!

You will have a better understanding for what you are looking for when you go out for a full-time position and by taking on different types of projects, you will have a more well-versed background in architecture.

Mark Specker – Designer

The co-op experience is a great learning tool to know if you even like the profession! I can’t imagine going through all of those years of schooling on the hope that I’ll still enjoy it as a career path. In that same vein, I tried to make every co-op as varied as possible. This allowed me to quickly learn what I liked and disliked from each firm without committing more than a few months to each experience.

Ultimately co-ops are a great opportunity to get away from school and realize all of the cool things you designed may not get you very far in the real world. In no way should this be discouraging, but motivating to double down on your creativity while you still have the opportunity.

Jordan Sauer – Design Co-op

For my co-op experience, I was expecting to learn about construction and how architecture works in the real world. My main goal was to have a co-op that will teach and challenge me. I’ve also realized it’s important to make the most out of my time as a co-op. This means asking questions, building connections and developing friendships with coworkers. When looking for a co-op position, I examine the location, company portfolio, and employees. If your colleagues are friendly and co-ops are treated well, that’s a huge bonus.

So far, my co-ops have been in Cincinnati and my last three at K4. I haven’t worked in big cities or exotic places, but I can honestly say I have no regrets and have enjoyed my experience.

I believe there’s a purpose for wherever you work as a co-op. As a co-op I’ve learned how to build a building, while school has taught me technology and design principles. Without co-op, I would be missing more than half of my education.

Rick Posey – Principal

It has been a long time since I settled into my first co-operative education experience. The motivation then was primarily to secure a job in the profession I chose to study in college. It suited me well to have a way to pay for my college education. I was less than confident at that point in the skills I felt would be necessary to actually “work” and get paid as an Architect. But co-op experience is as much a way of figuring out what you do NOT want to do, as much as it is a test for what you think you love. No one can imagine the determination it takes to consistently show up for work of any kind for 30 years. Finding out early how the theoretical concepts of academia translate into applied tasks and strategies is a sound, foundational footing for young people to gauge and measure their passions for a life-long journey.

Colin Martin – Design Co-op

The co-ops are extremely helpful. They teach you a lot of things that school doesn’t go into detail on. The firms that want to help grow your knowledge are the best ones to work for. There are always going to be more things to learn, so be willing to ask questions. Overall the co-op experience is extremely beneficial in gaining real-life industry knowledge and networking opportunities.

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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.