Alisha Tyler for NewGround
Alisha Tyler for NewGround
U.S. Eagle Federal Credit Union
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Dec 17th, 2020
NewGround’s partnership with U.S. Eagle Federal Credit Union (FCU) includes four previous designs. The high profile Albuquerque branch, constructed to replace an outdated existing branch, was conceived to introduce digital innovation to unique branch architecture and streamlined project management. The 3,408 square foot branch was intended to serve as a prototype for new Eagle FCU branches.
“The design goal was to physically manifest our client’s brand, which is a stylized eagle, with a highly visible and instantly recognizable building that will serve as their new prototype branch,” NewGround designer Alisha Tyler explained, adding that the lobby has a 22’ high curved ceiling designed to be “bright, open and lofty.” The lights, also suspended from the ceiling, can be left on to highlight the lobby at night.
This commercial space was designed to include a:
Bar where FCU members can use technology
Large-format video wall
Suspended eagle facsimile to accentuate the credit union brand
A waiting area would afford both comfort and marketing. Design elements would create “unified branded space” and “set up the design framework for future branch projects.”
NewGround’s Tyler reports that the “design of this building was ambitious and bold but it actually came together quite quickly with very few changes from the initial concept. Our biggest design challenges were trying to mitigate the difficulties around the amount of glazing—glare on any interior screens, heat gain, shading, etc. but our team worked together to find solutions that were in support of the initial vision.”