The design for the consultation areas addresses the challenge of providing privacy within a busy, open-plan branch. By using high-backed, upholstered booths instead of traditional glass-walled offices, the interior remains airy and connected while offering the acoustic shielding necessary for sensitive conversations. This approach makes the branch feel less formal and more approachable, allowing members to discuss their financial goals in a relaxed, comfortable setting that prioritises their personal space.
The standout feature of this zone is the custom-designed consultation pod, which uses vertical stitching and thick upholstery to absorb sound and provide a sense of enclosure. The exterior is finished in a neutral light grey, while the interior seat is a vibrant mustard yellow, adding a welcoming pop of colour that ties into the brand’s visual identity. These booths are positioned along the perimeter of the branch, allowing members to feel tucked away from the main foot traffic without being isolated in a separate room.
To complement the booths, the design includes small circular timber side tables and low upholstered footstools, encouraging a flexible and casual use of the space. This "resimercial" furniture selection helps to lower the formality of a bank visit, making it feel more like a meeting in a contemporary hotel lounge. Adjacent to the seating, a large yellow feature wall displays the bold brand promise "Giving you a fairer deal," rendered in tactile red lettering. This wall also houses an integrated digital screen, which provides helpful financial tips and brand stories to engage members while they wait or talk.
Natural elements play a vital role in softening the technical aspects of the space. A large, leafy Fiddle-leaf fig in a concrete-style planter is placed at the edge of the consultation zone, providing a soft green barrier and improving the overall indoor environment. The lighting is carefully managed through a recessed LED strip that runs beneath the timber shelf, casting a gentle wash of light across the walls. This eliminates the need for harsh overhead fixtures, ensuring the atmosphere remains calm and professional throughout the member journey.
