Proponent Federal Credit Union engaged CPL to renovate and expand its brand office in Nutley, New Jersey. The redesigned branch softens the rigidity often associated with traditional banks through a more open, connected layout.
Completed
2020
Size
5,000 sq. ft.
Services
Architecture, Interior Design
Building on a long-standing relationship that began a decade earlier with a customer service center in Burlington, North Carolina, the project continues an evolution of how the credit union expresses its member-first approach through space.
From arrival, a large waiting area with soft seating, natural light and open sightlines onto the main floor gives members space to settle in, ask questions, connect with staff and move through the branch without the pressure of a queue or fixed sequence of interaction.
Glass-front offices and meeting rooms line a central corridor, allowing conversations and support to be more visible while maintaining privacy where needed. Instead of separating staff and members behind closed doors, the transparent layout makes it easier to understand where to go and who to approach.
Branding is integrated throughout the branch in a way that remains visible without dominating the space.
A geometric feature wall introduces color and pattern, while large-scale graphics and branded surfaces bring energy to the branch without disrupting its openness or ease of movement. Light wood finishes, neutral surfaces and patterned carpet temper these brighter elements, creating a space that feels composed and easy to settle into.
By rethinking the banking experience, the project shifts interactions from transactional to conversational—creating a branch that feels more open, visible and comfortable to move through. The design reinforces Proponent Federal Credit Union’s commitment to member relationships while reducing the formality and fixed interaction patterns often associated with traditional banks.
