Case Study 6: With Interest

This designer worked with an owner, builder, and architect to orchestrate a stunning remodel for a newly opened bank’s interior | Photographs by Martin Vecchio

Mi Bank - Before

Case Studies: Problems & Fixes

Case Study 1 | Case Study 2 | Case Study 3Case Study 4 | Case Study 5 | Case Study 6


WHO: Interior designer Mary Meier Dakin, IIDA, WBEN, of Birmingham, Harbor Springs, and Naples, Fla.-based Dakin Design Inc.


THE BEFORE

A Bloomfield Hills office space (on Lahser and Maple roads) was to be transformed into the new Mi Bank.

THE AFTER

Mi Bank, which opened in June, now features a new façade and entryway and has an open, bright, contemporary, and clean look, with modern Saarinen-style chairs and tables, glass wall dividers, Carerra marble-topped furnishings, bright artwork, an open ceiling, contemporary pendant lighting, and a colorful palette that blends blues with yellow-golds, crisp whites, and serene grays. A wool-blend rug with grays and charcoals sits atop charcoal-hued slate flooring (“the flooring color inspired the entire design,” Dakin explains). A smart idea: keeping the interior doors, but sanding and staining them in a tone that complements flooring and other accents.

Mi Bank - After renovation


CHALLENGES & SOLUTIONS 

“The challenge was that it was a small area that needed appropriate space for working offices as well as a comfortable, functional lobby that’s welcoming,” Dakin says, “and it was critical that all bank officers were able to have site visibility to each other and all customers.” A smart plan and open glass walls between spaces met the goals. Says Rob Farr, chairman of Mi Bank: “I’m very happy with the way it all turned out. We wanted it modern, open, and inviting for our customers, and we’ve accomplished that.”


IN THE DETAILS/RESOURCE GUIDE

Interior design, Mary Dakin, IIDA, WBENC, Dakin Design Inc., dakindesigninc.com. Architect, RobertZiegelman, FAIA, of Luckenbach, Ziegelman and Gardner, Birmingham. Contractor, Ronnisch Construction Group, Royal Oak, ronnisch.com. Furniture, NBS Commercial Interiors/furniture dealership,(Steelcase and Coalesse, working with Connie Ahee), Troy, steelcase.com, including Coalesse furniture, Italy. Wall paint, Intense White and Gray Owl, Benjamin Moore, benjaminmoore.com. Wall art, Kathleen Chisholm McInerney, Birmingham, kcmdesignllc.com. Potted plants, Planterra, West Bloomfield, planterra.com.


Related Links: About the Remodeling Guide, Remodeling Guide 2019 Listings