Cabrillo Credit Union
San Diego, CA
When Cabrillo Credit Union acquired a well-located but compact building, leadership faced a familiar challenge: how to translate long-term growth goals into a space that would not constrain operations or member experience. Rather than forcing standard layouts into a tight footprint, the credit union partnered with IBG to develop a space strategy aligned with both immediate needs and future scalability.
Through early planning and collaborative programming sessions, IBG helped Cabrillo evaluate traffic flow, staffing models, and technology integration before design began. The allowed the team to right-size teller operations, incorporate flexible workspaces, and integrate full-service equipment without sacrificing circulation or comfort. Custom architectural elements and modular Express Pod workstations were designed not just for aesthetics, but to preserve valuable square footage and support evolving service models.
The completed branch demonstrates how thoughtful design can improve both efficiency and service delivery in smaller formats. A dedicated loan lounge enables private, remote consultations without requiring additional offices, while the compact teller and pod configurations maintain high service capacity. By aligning spatial design with operational strategy, Cabrillo now operates a branch that supports member satisfaction, staff productivity, and long-term adaptability within a constrained footprint.
"The relationship did not end once construction was complete—they continued to check in and ensure we were satisfied with the final result. That level of follow-through and their consistent, high-touch engagement made the experience feel truly full-service rather than a project that simply ended once the work was done."
The Cabrillo Team