Designing a Legacy for Generations

Client: First Bank
Location: Creve Coeur, Missouri
Design Team: Lamar Johnson Collaborative (LJC)
Furniture Partner: Color Art

Overview

When First Bank—a family-owned financial institution with deep roots in the Midwest—set out to build a new headquarters in Creve Coeur, Missouri, they weren’t just constructing a building. They were creating a legacy.

The goal was clear: craft a future-ready workplace that honors the bank’s enduring values, supports the well-being of its people, and reflects its commitment to the community it serves. Through a strong collaboration between First Bank, LJC, and Color Art, the result is a dynamic, biophilic, and resilient space that will serve employees today and for generations to come. “This is the workplace of the future” said project designer Hannah March of NCIDQ.

Designing with Legacy in Mind

Legacy was the project’s north star. Every element—from material selection to architectural expression—was designed to communicate timelessness and permanence. The building’s clean lines and durable finishes signal a long-term investment not just in physical infrastructure, but in the people and communities First Bank serves.

By embedding sustainability into its design—both environmentally and socially—the headquarters becomes more than just a workplace. It is a physical manifestation of the bank’s core values: stewardship, responsibility, and continuity.

A Workplace That Prioritizes Wellness

One of the most distinguishing features of the new headquarters is its focus on holistic employee well-being. The design team incorporated several wellness-forward strategies:

• A central courtyard acts as a living hub, bringing nature into the heart of the building.
• Natural light floods every workstation, reducing stress and supporting circadian rhythms.
• Flexible workspaces are positioned to maximize outdoor views and access to green space.
• Biophilic elements throughout the space foster calm and promote mental clarity.

This intentional connection to the outdoors encourages a culture of health, productivity, and presence—qualities that not only improve employee satisfaction but elevate organizational performance.

Supporting Hybrid Work with Purposeful Flexibility

In a post-pandemic world, workplace flexibility is no longer a perk—it’s a necessity. The First Bank headquarters was designed with this reality in mind. As employees returned to the office after extended remote work, they were met with a space tailored to their evolving needs.

Key design features include:

• Dedicated collaboration zones for team alignment and creativity
• Private workstations that respect focus and concentration
• Casual breakout areas for impromptu connection

To further empower individual work styles, the team integrated Oasis Linear Duo Pods within each workplace neighborhood. These acoustic pods offer versatile, tech-enabled spaces for quick team huddles or heads-down solo work, giving employees choice and control over how—and where—they work. An Oasis Soft Team Hub, designed to seat up to four people, seamlessly integrates with the open office layout and ensures increased visual privacy, making it perfect for team work. This adaptability enhances both productivity and morale, setting a new standard for hybrid-friendly office design. March added “Having work point options empowers employees to thrive in both traditional and hybrid work environments, setting a new standard for corporate office spaces.”

A Model of Cross-Functional Collaboration

Behind every successful project is a strong team—and this one was no exception. LJC worked closely with First Bank leadership, external partners, and interior specialists at Color Art to deliver the project on time and with excellence. This integrated approach allowed for a seamless transition from vision to reality.

Color Art’s role in furnishing the space was critical, ensuring that the selected pieces supported the overall design intent—flexibility, functionality, and comfort. The attention to detail, especially regarding natural daylight and building-wide outdoor access, demonstrates the team’s commitment to enhancing the day-to-day experience of every occupant.

Conclusion: A Headquarters for the Future

First Bank’s new headquarters is more than a building. It’s a bold statement about what a modern workplace can be: grounded in tradition, but open to innovation; designed for today, but built to endure.

By focusing on wellness, flexibility, and legacy, the project creates a strong foundation for First Bank’s continued growth and impact. As other organizations seek to define their own post-pandemic work environments, First Bank offers a compelling blueprint for what’s possible when you design with purpose.