Golden 1 Credit Union’s Folsom Ranch Branch. (Credit/The Element Group)
Finance and interior design don’t typically go hand-in-hand, but when it comes to brick-and-mortar branches, the two concepts are an essential pair. A branch’s layout, furnishings, colors, textures and lighting all influence the way a member feels when they walk inside – and whether they’ll want to stay, conduct business and recommend the credit union to others.
Here are five credit unions that kept aesthetics top-of-mind during their recent new branch opening or remodel:
1. Golden 1 Credit Union’s Folsom Ranch Branch
Designed by The Element Group, this “in-line branch” – a branch with a small square footage located inside a retail shopping center – opened in Folsom, Calif., in December 2024. The 1,710-square-foot space was created with flexibility in mind, as it contains moveable walls that can be arranged to accommodate community events. Members can check in and receive help with basic transactions at the “quick-assist” pod that sits near the entrance, or retreat to one of the private room for more in-depth meetings. Accentuating the space are floor-to-ceiling windows that welcome in natural light, a moss wall mural inspired by the nature at nearby Folsom Lake, and wood finishes. See more photos here.
The Folsom Ranch branch is one of approximately 60 locations run by the $20.3 billion, Sacramento-based credit union.
2. Tucson Federal Credit Union’s Midtown Branch
The $790 million Tucson FCU has been in the process of remodeling six of its branches throughout Arizona, one of them being the Midtown Branch in Tucson. The credit union recently posted an Instagram reel showcasing the revamped space back in March.
Partnering with branch transformation and project management CUSO Structure First, which then selected local firms Seaver Franks Architects and Epstein Construction to help design and construct the branch, Tucson FCU ditched the branch’s dated teller line for open spaces conducive to collaboration. The new floor layout supports the credit union’s new universal service model, in which a lobby manager personally greets members who walk into the branch and guides them to a member advocate for personalized, “shoulder-to-shoulder” assistance. The branch’s interior design features desert neutrals and gray tones, chosen for their aesthetic appeal and durability, according to Tucson FCU.
3. First Tech’s Downtown Bellevue Branch
With a name like First Tech and field of membership comprised of technology company employees, it’s only fitting that this $17 billion, San Jose, Calif.-based credit union’s branches evoke the sleek, minimalistic look of an Apple device. Its latest in downtown Bellevue, Wash., known as a hub for tech professionals, opened on April 2 in the 555 Tower, right next to Amazon’s office. Features include a pod-style reception desk and patterned glass doors leading to private rooms.
4. First Oklahoma Federal Credit Union’s Glenpool Headquarters and Branch
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Also working with The Element Group, the $30.6 million, Glenpool, Okla.-based First Oklahoma set out to revitalize its outdated headquarters, create a space for members that blended modern technology with personalized service, and achieve better brand awareness in the Tulsa area. The result was a bright, welcoming space featuring wall murals of its children’s savings account mascots, ample seating to encourage member relationship-building, interactive teller machines (ITMs) and advanced touchscreen technology.
5. UMassFive College Credit Union’s Northhampton Branch
One of five branches operated by the $716 million, Hadley, Mass.-based UMassFive College CU, the Northhampton Branch at Hampshire College previously served as a spot for busy college students to complete quick transactions. Now, following a makeover by The Element Group, it’s a 1,800-square-foot space that allows both students and faculty to complete their banking and encourages them to stay for a while. Features include a TechBar, where members can get comfortable while utilizing their devices, as well as private meeting spaces and digital signage displaying calming environmental graphics.
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Natasha Chilingerian
Natasha Chilingerian has been immersed in the credit union industry for over a decade. She first joined CU Times in 2011 as a freelance writer, and following a two-year hiatus from 2013-2015, during which time she served as a communications specialist for Xceed Financial Credit Union (now Kinecta Federal Credit Union), she re-joined the CU Times team full-time as managing editor. She was promoted to executive editor in 2019. In the earlier days of her career, Chilingerian focused on news and lifestyle journalism, serving as a writer and editor for numerous regional publications in Oregon, Louisiana, South Carolina and the San Francisco Bay Area. In addition, she holds experience in marketing copywriting for companies in the finance and technology space. At CU Times, she covers People and Community news, cybersecurity, fintech partnerships, marketing, workplace culture, leadership, DEI, branch strategies, digital banking and more. She currently works remotely and splits her time between Southern California and Portland, Ore.
