Client:

TFH Architects have worked on diverse projects, both commercial and residential, for approximately 30 years with the goal of ‘discovering design solutions that celebrate their client’s vision, while respecting fiscal constraints, cultural context and the natural environment.’ This small design firm was chosen by Saco & Biddeford Savings Banks (SBSI) to work on their new branch bank which may become a prototype for future branches. SBSI is Maine’s oldest bank, serving southern Maine for over 175 years. Dave Merrill was the project architect, with assistance from interior designer Judy Schneider of Interior Resources.

Objective:

The challenge to this project was to combine both the history and tradition of the bank with eco-friendly, contemporary design and banking ideas. A collaborative discussion with the design team resulted in the decision for a mural. The idea was to make a statement in the lobby using the ability to connect history with location. As in the past with similar intentions, this led to the use of imagery and photo murals. The key objective of the images was to tie the branch location to the history of the town and convey the long standing relationship that the bank had with the community.

The Process:

To obtain the images that would create the effect they were looking for, a number of representatives from the bank scoured the local Saco & Biddeford Historical Societies, the basement of the bank and various other repositories. They were able to find images that spanned the time as well as subject matter, making the collage as all inclusive as possible.

Judy, the interior designer, made the first contact with Murals Your Way, having visited our booth at a convention in NYC. After securing the bid, the banks marketing group provided Murals Your Way with the layout and design of the murals. Image files and color samples were exchanged until a final approval was reached. The murals were then printed, shipped and installed in the bank.

The Result:

“We are very happy with the process, response and interaction along the way,” said architect, Dave Merrill. “It never fails to make an impact on the customers, who more than likely see an image from their past that brings back memories. We will definitely work with Murals Your Way when the next branch comes along, likewise if a similar design opportunity arises. Murals Your Way is the highest tier of the vendors we work with and we look forward to seeing the next composition on the wall.”

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