Machias Savings Bank Operations Center– Machias, Maine

The Design Challenge
To design an innovative and modern operations center for a community-focused bank in the heart of Machias, Maine. For the residents of Machias, Maine, Machias Savings Bank is much more than a financial institution. The bank plays an integral role in its Downeast community, with ties to nearly everyone who lives and works in the region. Beyond these countless personal and professional connections, Machias Savings Bank is well known for giving generously to the areas it serves, further solidifying the institution’s reputation as the heart of Machias.

For the bank that is so interwoven within its community, the Bowerbird team chose to highlight the “woven” element throughout the bank interior design concept. Bowerbird juxtaposed old and new by using materials that paid homage to old world weavers, presented in a modern way. To celebrate the region’s logging industry history and highlight the operations center’s unique position on the Machias river, Artist Susan Bartlett Rice was commissioned to paint an 18’ by 13’ mural depicting the area’s logging history. The mural is quintessentially Bartlett Rice’s style, but Bowerbird worked with her to incorporate some modern aesthetic elements that pair with the brand palette. 

The Bowerbird team also commissioned Outside In to create a custom walnut framed plant wall art piece donning live moss and the bank’s iconic “M”.  Several unique furniture pieces were incorporated in the space, including the “Folly” bench designed by Italian furniture company Magis, by Herman Miller. This sculptural, double-sided statement piece features details which resemble elongated tree rings, setting the tone of the space from the moment guests step inside.