SASCU Credit Union
The Challenge
SASCU Credit Union needed a change. Their Sicamous branch had been operating in an underutilized mall space, and no longer reflected the kind of experience they wanted to offer their members and employees. SASCU approached NewGround with the vision of turning their existing branch into a modern and flexible prototype. From previous strategy sessions, they recognized the need for a large-scale change. They wanted a branch that would set the tone for their future locations.
With Sicamous being far from any major urban cities, they knew it wouldn’t be a quick process. This was a significant shift in their brand experience, the first of its kind in the region, and the first project to integrate a Direct View LED in the region. The space they were operating in had a large walled-off space and was no longer serving its purpose. Instead of starting from scratch, SASCU wanted to transform the 3,400-square-foot mall space into something fresh and future-ready, without sacrificing their connection to the community.
The Journey
The journey began with a Discovery Session, where NewGround and SASCU mapped out what the space could become. Early collaboration was the key to success for this project. From the very beginning, NewGround brought in team members from multiple disciplines, ensuring strategy, design, and digital solutions were aligned from day one.
Together, the teams envisioned a member experience that felt intentional, modern, and uniquely local. They reimagined the layout to be more intuitive, incorporating flexible zones like working pods, a hoteling office for financial specialists, and a multi-purpose community room that could serve the public after hours. The community room would serve as one of the only rentable spaces for local community members.
Local inspiration played a huge role in the design of their new space. The town’s reputation as the “houseboat capital” helped shape the aesthetic. From colors and materials throughout the branch to flexible environmental graphics, these choices offer subtle nods to lake life, water, and tranquility. The environment was intentionally designed to feel less like a traditional branch and more like a welcoming, flexible space you’d want to return to.
One of the most personal touches came in the employee lounge. Rather than our expert designers prescribing the layout and finishes, NewGround conducted a mini Discovery Session just for the staff. Employees were invited to participate in the design process, contributing ideas for how the lounge could best support their day-to-day needs. Their feedback led to thoughtful additions.
Not only did they incorporate modular furniture, magnetic display environmental graphics that can evolve over time, and a layout that supports both productivity and experience, but they also included Direct View LEDs to communicate their brand’s messaging. What once was an outdated branch now serves as an innovative model for all branches.
The Destination
The completed branch is a true embodiment of SASCU Credit Union’s core values. The space is layered with intentional design details that make a difference, from a welcoming kids’ zone featuring their fox mascot to community-focused spaces and inviting member service areas. Environmental graphics reinforce SASCU’s brand and natural surroundings, while new tech-forward features like educational screens and device charging stations are integrated directly into the architecture.
From a multisensory standpoint, SASCU’s branch now engages visitors on almost every level with sight, sound, and systems. Their custom audio environment and digital signage network combine to create a memorable experience for clients. This was also a logistical achievement: despite being in a remote location with shipping challenges, the team pulled it off seamlessly.
The client team was blown away, remarking that the real space exceeded what they saw in the renderings. They feel their brand has finally come to life through this space. What began as a slower, methodical process turned into a trusting partnership where SASCU could lean on NewGround’s multidisciplinary expertise and focus on what they do best: serving their members.
THE DETAILS
THE CHALLENGE
SASCU Credit Union needed a change. Their Sicamous branch had been operating in an underutilized mall space, and no longer reflected the kind of experience they wanted to offer their members and employees. SASCU approached NewGround with the vision of turning their existing branch into a modern and flexible prototype. From previous strategy sessions, they recognized the need for a large-scale change. They wanted a branch that would set the tone for their future locations.
With Sicamous being far from any major urban cities, they knew it wouldn’t be a quick process. This was a significant shift in their brand experience, the first of its kind in the region, and the first project to integrate a Direct View LED in the region. The space they were operating in had a large walled-off space and was no longer serving its purpose. Instead of starting from scratch, SASCU wanted to transform the 3,400-square-foot mall space into something fresh and future-ready, without sacrificing their connection to the community.
THE JOURNEY
The journey began with a Discovery Session, where NewGround and SASCU mapped out what the space could become. Early collaboration was the key to success for this project. From the very beginning, NewGround brought in team members from multiple disciplines, ensuring strategy, design, and digital solutions were aligned from day one.
Together, the teams envisioned a member experience that felt intentional, modern, and uniquely local. They reimagined the layout to be more intuitive, incorporating flexible zones like working pods, a hoteling office for financial specialists, and a multi-purpose community room that could serve the public after hours. The community room would serve as one of the only rentable spaces for local community members.
Local inspiration played a huge role in the design of their new space. The town’s reputation as the “houseboat capital” helped shape the aesthetic. From colors and materials throughout the branch to flexible environmental graphics, these choices offer subtle nods to lake life, water, and tranquility. The environment was intentionally designed to feel less like a traditional branch and more like a welcoming, flexible space you’d want to return to.
One of the most personal touches came in the employee lounge. Rather than our expert designers prescribing the layout and finishes, NewGround conducted a mini Discovery Session just for the staff. Employees were invited to participate in the design process, contributing ideas for how the lounge could best support their day-to-day needs. Their feedback led to thoughtful additions.
Not only did they incorporate modular furniture, magnetic display environmental graphics that can evolve over time, and a layout that supports both productivity and experience, but they also included Direct View LEDs to communicate their brand’s messaging. What once was an outdated branch now serves as an innovative model for all branches.
THE DESTINATION
The completed branch is a true embodiment of SASCU Credit Union’s core values. The space is layered with intentional design details that make a difference, from a welcoming kids’ zone featuring their fox mascot to community-focused spaces and inviting member service areas. Environmental graphics reinforce SASCU’s brand and natural surroundings, while new tech-forward features like educational screens and device charging stations are integrated directly into the architecture.
From a multisensory standpoint, SASCU’s branch now engages visitors on almost every level with sight, sound, and systems. Their custom audio environment and digital signage network combine to create a memorable experience for clients. This was also a logistical achievement: despite being in a remote location with shipping challenges, the team pulled it off seamlessly.
The client team was blown away, remarking that the real space exceeded what they saw in the renderings. They feel their brand has finally come to life through this space. What began as a slower, methodical process turned into a trusting partnership where SASCU could lean on NewGround’s multidisciplinary expertise and focus on what they do best: serving their members.