WHAT OUR DESIGNERS ARE THANKFUL FOR

This year (and every year), K4 is thankful for the blessings that have been bestowed on us as a company. It allows us to practice our passion for places, branding, and just making things better.

We are most thankful for our employees, the pulse of K4, the people who work every day to make those passions into reality. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we would like to give a few of them an opportunity to share with you the things, as a designer, that they are thankful for.

Brian Bruner – Project Designer

As a designer, I’m thankful for a steady job. Not everyone has one. For that, I am grateful. One aspect of the job that I’m most thankful for is Lunch and Learns. Having them is a treat and I’m most thankful for lunch and learns on the days that I forgot to pack a lunch.

It’s always good to be able to satisfy your hunger—for knowledge.

Seriously, as someone who loves to take notes, I always walk out of a lunch and learn with a spoonful of constructive knowledge that I can apply to my current workload or even at my house. They seem to always occur at just the right time. It’s like someone in the office knows what projects I’m working on. Coincidence? I think not.

Just like the cuisine, you never know what to expect. You come in hoping that the content is fresh and that the food is hot (…backwards?). In conclusion, attend your next lunch and learn with an empty stomach and an open mind and I’m sure you will walk out full!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Ashley Griffith – Designer

As a designer, I am thankful to be a part of a field that directly provides opportunity to contribute to society. Regardless of working on a recreational project like a bar or a library, to a place attached to your weekly routine like a gas station, designers get to use their skills to make these experiences better. Designers play this unique role in the evolution of our society. While we are problem solvers when it comes to implementing new technologies, we become trend setters as our solutions for technology produce style and establish quality of life. Our job is to not only respond to what is needed now, but to push the envelope and leave the future open. It is so refreshing to be a part of this development, large or small scales.

Matt Ireton – Architect, NCARB, LEED AP

There are plenty of things to be thankful for this year in my personal life, however as an architect what am I thank for in 2018? It may not sound very creative but I’m thankful for Google images and photos. When I’m looking for new design ideas, whether it be a new building or just a new canopy, I often start by searching images on google. This quickly gives me a broad range of completed designs that I can quickly scroll through and decide what I like and don’t like. Equally as useful is the Google Photos which houses all the photos I take on walks or site visits with my smartphone. No need to plug my camera into the computer, my photos are all available to me the minute I return to my desk. These may seem small, but they are a huge help to me in my day to day profession.

Rachael Ruschke – Marketing Coordinator / Graphic Designer

This year, there is a lot to be thankful for in my personal life, as well as in my professional life. As a designer, I am thankful for the opportunity to continue to learn and grow. When you graduate college, you have 2 choices – keep learning and trying new things, or stay stuck in the same old, same old. Here at K4 we always have the opportunity to continue to learn new things – whether it’s from doing something completely new on a project or by attending Lunch and Learns there is always an opportunity to grow. I am thankful for the collaborative environment at K4, new projects that bring new and unique challenges, and all of the opportunities I have had this year that have helped me grow and become a better designer.

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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.