Ardent Credit Union (ACU) was awarded the “Regional Retail Design Award” by the local chapter of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA). The “bold and sophisticated” design of the credit union’s Center City Philadelphia branch located at 1801 Market Street was recognized during IIDA’s 16th Annual Design Awards on December 16, 2020.
“We’re incredibly proud to receive this honor from IIDA,” said Rob Werner, President & CEO of Ardent Credit Union. “This was a really collaborative process in which we worked closely with our team of designers to create a space that captured the grit of our city and our company.”
IIDA judges lauded the branch’s “city centric vibe” in the award presentation. To create a one-of-a-kind space that reflected it’s surrounding area, Ardent worked with HOK, a global design, architecture, engineering and planning firm. The design team incorporated into the design raw materials found throughout the city, such as darkened metals, solid concrete, and natural walnut woods, to create tone and depth. The Ardent team also worked with photographer John Holiday to create a large-scale panoramic image of the city’s skyline for the space. All of the images and graphics throughout the branch work to compliment the raw materials, along with Ardent’s brand colors.
“From the start, the Ardent team communicated how much they valued this special location, and being in the heart of Center City Philadelphia,” said Candace Todd, Senior Designer at HOK. “Together, we were able to create an impressive space that visually pays homage to the city of Philadelphia, while still feeling very welcoming and functional.”
The local chapter of the International Interior Design Association recognizes design excellence and originality within Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, and is the region’s leading association representing interior design excellence. This year, the Annual Design Awards took place virtually to highlight exemplary design throughout the region.
For more information about Ardent Credit Union’s recent award, or to speak with a representative from Ardent Credit Union, contact Hope Markman at (215) 627-4747 or via e-mail at hm@neffknows.com.