Unitus Community Credit Union
Tigard, OR
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New Branch Construction For Banks & Credit Unions
we believe good branch design starts in the foundation.
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create inviting retail environments for your financial institution.
With over a decade of experience working on credit union and bank construction projects, our team of experts can handle building ventures of any scale!
project management services
From permitting to negotiating with credit union and bank construction firms and suppliers, we ensure a seamless branch construction experience by setting clear expectations and communicating openly throughout the entire process.
new banking equipment implementation
During your bank or credit union construction, we’ll help install the latest in-branch solutions to meet customer and member needs while providing modern, convenient delivery channels like ITMs and ATMs.
design support for architecture and interiors
We’ll work with your team throughout the branch construction process to refine your design ideas and turn them into a cohesive strategy that meets your needs.
element’s branch construction & design process
research
Before starting any credit union or bank construction project, we conduct in-depth research to determine the best features and design elements. Our discovery questionnaire informs much of the process, and we stay on top of all relevant design trends and industry best practices to give you the most fitting solution.
feasibility study
Before getting too far into the process, we take a deep dive into whether establishing new branches in the proposed areas will yield the best possible outcomes for our clients.
planning
Our expertise extends beyond bank construction and design to strategic planning and site selection assistance. We help financial institutions select optimal locations and provide financial planning and site purchase services.
design
We integrate the latest design trends with our extensive experience to create an effective and positive selling environment inside and an appealing presentation outside. Aesthetics, customer traffic patterns, dwelling points, lines of sight, technology deployment, sales culture, and merchandising all inform our design elements.
bidding
Our extensive experience negotiating bids on behalf of credit unions and banks helps us achieve the best rate. We are committed to utilizing local community resources, including subcontractors, skilled tradesmen, and laborers.
permitting
We work directly with building officials to obtain the necessary permits before construction begins. Our experience working with government agencies at various levels helps us maximize efficiency and provide the best possible outcomes.
execution
We select only the best credit union and bank construction contractors to ensure the final product is of the highest quality.
During construction, we oversee the site superintendent and communicate directly with the general contractor. We ensure your project is brought in on time, providing you the peace of mind that your new branch will be ready when you need it.
post-launch
We provide numerous promotional and marketing services after your branch launches. Our proactive, non-traditional marketing program seeks to maximize brand recognition and increase an emotional connection to the institution through a unique client experience. We also offer employee engagement services.
stakeholder involvement
board members
We prioritize board member involvement in every step of the process through the completion of construction. As those ultimately responsible for credit union and bank construction decisions, we know how crucial it is to keep them in the loop.
architect
Our extensive experience working with architects is a key part of our success. We regularly communicate and collaborate with them to successfully translate your branch construction ideas into detailed plans.
interior designers
Having an inviting yet professional setting is key to keeping customers comfortable during waiting periods. Interior designers are the professionals who create these environments while considering best business practices. Our designers work closely with our customers to help transform their vision into a reality.
contractors
By involving ourselves in the bidding phase and selecting local subcontractors when available, we ensure that credit union and bank construction firms are properly vetted and capable of delivering high-quality results. Our project managers stay in touch during construction to ensure everything runs smoothly.
municipalities
Municipalities must provide their approval at various stages of planning and building, which often involves obtaining permits. As project managers, we oversee all aspects of this process so you can confidently focus on other business priorities.
customer & member engagement
New branch construction projects provide the perfect opportunity to attract and engage customers and members. Impress your branch visitors with:
- New, state-of-the-art equipment
- Signature elements that capture your brand’s essence
- Effective choreography that keeps people and processes moving smoothly
- Eye-catching digital signage that delivers valuable information
considerations for building a new branch
When planning a new branch, banks and credit unions should carefully consider several key factors to ensure a successful outcome:
- Location
Choose a site that maximizes visibility and accessibility for customers and members. - Design
Incorporate modern design elements that reflect your brand and enhance customer or member experience. - Technology
Invest in the latest banking technology to meet customer and member needs and improve operational efficiency. - Regulations
Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations. - Sustainability
Consider sustainable building practices to reduce environmental impact and operating costs. - Community Engagement
Involve the local community in the planning process to build goodwill and attract future customers or members.
Even with careful planning, mistakes — sometimes amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars — can occur. These include:
- Strategic errors
Missteps in the overall strategy can lead to serious problems. - Selection errors
Choosing the wrong architect or general contractor can derail the project. - Planning errors
Misallocating resources during the planning phase can cause significant issues. - Execution errors
Poor execution can waste money and delay the project.
For specific examples of where things go wrong and how to build a branch using best practices, download our ebook on critical mistakes to avoid in branch construction.
Our Build Solutions
Bank Construction Services
Starting fresh means endless possibilities for building projects of any scale.
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Renovations and Remodels
We'll keep your doors open, while accommodating any budget or timeframe.
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In-Store
Cater to convenience by offering a broad range of services wherever your customers shop.
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Project Management
Our comprehensive project management has your back.
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Ready to get started?
Discover how we can bring your vision to life with our comprehensive branch construction services for banks and credit unions.