Hi there,

Looking for companies that have worked with banks to develop a standard experience and concept across all offices.

Looking for strategic positioning, floor layout, space planning, branding, etc. Some kind of strategic design company who can work to develop an optimal customer plan.

Can anyone recommend a company?

I'd be interested in hearing whether there are some BOL users out there who don't believe a standardized approach is necessarily an optimal approach.

For example, let's say your institution has one office that is downtown, in the middle of the business district. It has another that is close to a busy college campus, and a third that is near a residential area with primarily retirees living nearby. Seems to me each would have its own unique challenges and needs and what might prove attractive or efficient for one might not be ideal for another. For example, at the downtown location, you might need more drive-through windows that are equipped for commercial transactions (heavy coin, etc.)

You are absolutely correct! Look at what Washington Savings is doing. Creating non-back lobby service. Look at what some of the fast food companies are doing.

One of the problems with banks is that they are too typical, cold, unfriendly. Retailers should not only be aware and address the different neighborhoods they are located within, but be different in their approach to selling business.

Good idea!

TO DGH:

Are you looking for a company in the USA only?

We recently helped a large banking conglomerate here in Hong Kong develop and execute a new e-banking brand, including branch design and layout.

DGH:

You might also contact a local architectural firm to see of one of its staff is a licensed "Security Architect" (or similarly named). Qualification for this designation includes the use of building design and configuration to reduce losses from all sources.

Your local law enforcement agency's Crime Prevention Unit may also contain a specialist who's been trained in CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design). The specialist can provide you with suggestions about building design and configuration, equipment, furnishings and services that may help you to reduce losses and liability from a variety of sources.

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Dana Turner
Security Education Systems
danaturner@bankersonline.com
830-535-6500
Opinions expressed are always those of my employer.