Jon Blakeney, an interior designer by training and one of the founding partners of I-AM, spoke at the recent Qorus Reinvent Forum – Bangkok. In a follow-up interview with Boris Plantier, he discussed the latest trends in bank branch design and the importance of an omnichannel strategy, sharing some bold and novel ideas for banks to reimagine their physical spaces.
On your website, there is a page dedicated to your project for Virgin Money in the UK with a title I really like: ‘Making people happy about money’. Does this sum up your work with banks?
A significant portion of the world’s population lacks confidence when it comes to money. This presents a unique opportunity for banks to bridge the gap between financial well-being and overall health. Now, more than ever, it is essential for banks to empower their customers with the confidence to manage their finances effectively. In today’s economic climate, this responsibility becomes even more critical. Bank branches have the potential to evolve into trusted spaces where customers can openly discuss major life decisions in a welcoming and supportive environment. We have always believed that this mindset should be embedded in every aspect of the customer experience.
By reducing financial stress and enriching people’s knowledge, banks can play a pivotal role in helping individuals move forward in their lives. Education and access to reliable information are powerful catalysts for success, and banks are well positioned to provide this support. Whether through TED Talks, free podcasts from business experts or seminars led by local entrepreneurs, bank branches can reclaim their role as pillars of the community, curators of financial and social learning. These dynamic initiatives not only alleviate everyday financial stress but also instill greater confidence in customers, empowering them to make informed decisions.
A natural extension of this vision is for banks to address the growing demand for co-working spaces. Why should customers spend their time working from Starbucks or WeWork when they could be engaging with your brand, connecting with like-minded individuals, and accessing valuable resources – all within the bank’s space? By embracing these opportunities, banks can transform their branches into vibrant hubs of activity, fostering energy, collaboration and increased daily foot traffic.
