- Branch Transformation -
Northwest Federal
Credit Union
A Glass-Front Branch That Will Never Go Unnoticed
Northwest Federal Credit Union, established in 1947 in Virginia, is now among the top 60 credit unions in the nation with more than 279,000 members and over $4 million in assets.
As an institution, they were on a mission to attract a new demographic, increase membership and deposits, and improve in-branch experiences. Network expansion was identified as the path.
They identified an opportunity to expand into the Metro DC area and they wanted to capitalize on this quickly. Building a brand new branch would take far too long, which meant they needed to find and renovate an existing building.
After finding a storefront in a high-traffic area, Northwest FCU set out to find a design-build partner that could create and deliver a unique and collaborative space that stands out in a busy metro area. That partner was DBSI.
To get this project off the ground, Northwest FCU and DBSI sat down for a 3-day intensive design session, where they reviewed multiple floorplans, renderings, and interior examples. And with a solid plan in place, the team started the engineering process and city review. After that was complete, design and construction began a full renovation of the newly purchased building.
And this transformation included a lot more than just design and construction work; the branch came complete with a fusion of core-integrated teller cash recyclers and building-spanning digital signage.
When it all came together, Northwest FCU was the proud owner of a new, retail-friendly branch in the Metro D.C. area that delivered on every one of their expectations. Existing members felt welcomed, new members started flooding in, deposits increased, and the staff operated at a more efficient level than ever before.

Design Elements
Northwest FCU was looking to offer their members, new and current, a space that felt like something new and innovative. That is exactly what DBSI delivered. The branch design included a new retail-friendly floorplan that allowed for more natural interactions between staff and clients with features like flexible workstations and Teller Towers, updated flooring, furniture, wall coverings, and millwork that stayed true to their branded aesthetic.

Open Floorplan

Flexible Workstations

Teller Tower
.jpg?width=2000&name=NW%20FCU-12%20(1).jpg)
Private Offices

Inviting Lobby

Open Floorplan

Teller Tower

Community Room

Break Room

Conference Room
Design Elements
This space truly is breathtaking from when you see the towering building to when you first enter the branch, and it is the details that really make it so special. From red Clarus Glass to local Kasota Stone, every element of this flagship branch and headquarters space was customized for the unique community it serves.

WOW Wall - Interior

WOW Wall - Exterior

Promotional Display

Community Board

Discovery Tablets
Digital Signage
DBSI installed and created the content for a one-of-a-kind display guaranteed to make this branch (and brand) stand out. The screens connect both ends of the lobby and span over 20 feet in length. This display, also known as a WOW Wall, can be seen from outside of the branch, which attracts potential new members as they walk by. Along with this display, was a community board near the entrance and a promotional display near the offices.
"We really enjoy working with a team like DBSI that thinks out of the box and then delivers exactly as stated."
VP, Marketing & Communications
Northwest CU

Explore Similar Projects
Trust DBSI With Your Next Project
If you have a transformation project on your to-do list, let's talk about how DBSI can help make it happen.