Harborstone Federal Credit Union - In-Line Branch

Federal Way, Washington

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The Challenge

Harborstone Federal Credit Union was expanding its presence in the Federal Way neighborhood while navigating a complex transition. An existing nearby branch had to be closed before the permanent Federal Way location was ready, creating a challenge to maintain continuity of service and member trust during the gap.

The challenge was twofold: design and deliver a permanent branch that felt modern, welcoming, and unmistakably Harborstone, while smartly leveraging investments made in a temporary “bridge” branch to reduce waste and control costs. Furniture, millwork, lighting, environmental graphics, and digital signage were selected so they could later be relocated into the permanent branch.

CLIENT

  • Harborstone Federal Credit Union

FINANCIAL INSTITUTION TYPE

  • Credit Union In-Line Branch

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Harborstone-atm surround
Harborstone-credit union exterior sign Harborstone-credit-union-seating Harborstone-glass office design

The Solution

Working closely with Harborstone, the project team approached the Federal Way branch as part of a phased strategy rather than a one-off build.

First, a temporary “bridge” branch was designed and constructed in a nearby retail space, allowing Harborstone to establish an immediate presence in the community. From the outset, this temporary location was planned with reuse in mind.

When the permanent site moved to a prominent corner within a popular retail area, the design was adapted to maximize visibility while preserving as much of the original investment as possible. Key elements include:

  • Reuse of furniture, millwork, lighting fixtures, digital signage, and environmental graphics from the temporary branch
  • Frameless, stick-built glass office fronts that achieved a high-end look while reducing costs compared to modular systems
  • Dual-station teller pod to support Harborstone’s operational model
  • Seating areas, a coffee bar, and an informal meeting space to encourage relaxed, one-on-one interactions
  • A highly visible ATM enclosure and corner-facing conference room that create a strong exterior presence, especially after dark
Harborstone-credit union teller pod
Harborstone-credit union in-line branch exterior

The Design Experience

The Federal Way branch reflects the evolution of a design language Element has refined with Harborstone over nearly a decade of collaboration. While updated and streamlined, the space remains immediately recognizable as a Harborstone branch.

Environmental graphics and digital signage highlight the local community and the greater Seattle area, reinforcing Harborstone’s deep community ties.

Sight lines throughout the branch were carefully considered to create an open, transparent atmosphere where members feel comfortable and supported.

The overall experience balances retail-inspired openness with the privacy required for financial conversations, supporting Harborstone’s goal of making financial services approachable and judgment-free.

The Result

The completed Federal Way branch delivers a strong, modern presence in a highly visible location while staying grounded in practical, cost-effective decision-making. By planning the temporary and permanent branches together, Harborstone was able to:

  • Maintain continuity of service in the community
  • Reduce overall project costs through thoughtful reuse of materials and furnishings
  • Deliver a polished, community-focused branch experience
  • Reinforce brand consistency across multiple locations while allowing for local expression

The Federal Way branch demonstrates how strategic planning, flexible design, and close collaboration can turn a transitional challenge into a long-term success.

Harborstone-modern lobby design