The Story

SkyOne Federal Credit Union is a full-service credit union with over 70 years of history serving Southern California. They have $600 million in assets, over 40,000 members, and they were looking to grow by adding an additional branch to their network.  

With a successful micro-branch project already under their belt, SkyOne wanted to keep a good thing going with their design-build partner, DBSI, so they reached out for help.  

This branch needed to better serve their current members (aviation professionals) while also growing their membership beyond the aviation industry. SkyOne found a 1,000 sqft space that was perfect, conveniently located just a few miles from the airport, and near several affluent beach cities. There was only problem: the space was less than large. 

“Our main goal with this new branch was making the most of this small, narrow space. We wanted it to look and feel like our other branches: open, COVID-friendly, and have visibility of the whole branch for security purposes. But we knew that would be a challenge,” said Melissa Choi, Director of Retail and Business Development. 

 DBSI had already proven their genius in maximizing small spaces with SkyOne’s second branch, a full-service retail environment of just 400 sqft. And, they had also delivered a Transformation Playbook complete with a Kit of Parts with all design elements already identified for easy, consistent reapplication.  

Melissa continued, “DBSI created a footprint for us, so we knew exactly what we wanted from our future branches. Our Kit of Parts, which includes design elements and furniture, drives the design of our future branches. We want to replicate what works, and our branches are working.”  

“We were impressed with DBSI, from their design elements to their knowledge of technology, and we were excited to see what they could do with a larger branch, so we partnered with them again for our flagship branch,” explained Emma Tomlinson, Head of Facilities.  

And it wasn’t just the killer outcome that continued the relationship between DBSI and SkyOne, but the process of transforming their branches.  

“Building the perfect branch was made so easy by the DBSI team the first time around, so we were excited to do it again. They were responsive. They dove deep to uncover our vision. They showed a lot of different options so we could see what we liked. And they delivered on every little detail,” said Emma. 

So SkyOne called up DBSI. And after meeting with the SkyOne team to assess their new space and the goals for it, DBSI hit the ground running on transforming their Flagship location.