Bendigo Bank Darling Square Project: Redefining the Bank Experience

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Commercial projects often come with the challenge of balancing creative design with corporate requirements, especially when it comes to securing approval from a board of directors and adhering to national branding standards. The Bendigo Bank Darling Square Project was no exception, requiring a design that would reflect the bank’s identity while meeting functional needs and regulatory guidelines.

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The Brief

The client’s brief was clear: design a bank that doesn’t look like a traditional bank, yet still accommodates all the essential banking functions. Additionally, the space needed to serve as a multifunctional environment, supporting group meetings, private discussions, and events. The design had to align with Bendigo Bank’s national brandingwhile also standing out as a unique, modern space that reflects the bank's forward-thinking approach.

 

Design Approach

Our team set out to create a dynamic and innovative environment that achieved all of the client's goals. The space needed to maintain the core functions of a traditional bank—such as service counters and secure areas—while also offering flexible, inviting spaces for meetings and events.

We successfully incorporated Bendigo Bank’s national branding colours into the design, ensuring consistency with the bank’s identity, while also making the space feel contemporary and approachable. The design also featured distinctive elements that allowed the bank to stand out in the Darling Square precinct.

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Meeting Tight Deadlines

We were able to deliver the project within a very tight timeline, which involved meticulous coordination across design, approvals, and construction phases. Our role spanned the entire process: from concept design and construction documentation to specifications and the obtaining of the Construction Certificate and Occupation Certificate.

 

Conclusion

The Bendigo Bank Darling Square Project is a prime example of how creative design can transform a traditional space into something functional, distinctive, and aligned with a brand’s identity. By balancing modern aesthetics with the practical needs of a financial institution, we were able to create a bank that offers both innovation and functionality—while meeting all required deadlines and regulatory approvals.