FirstBank Headquarters

Project Statement

The design of FirstBank’s Headquarters celebrates a new chapter in the company’s history while respecting its roots as a local bank.

Upon entering the FirstBank lobby on the thirteenth floor, white oak hardwood floors guide you to reception and help direct circulation throughout the space. Private offices, open workstations and tenant amenities all enjoy an abundance of natural light while taking full advantage of the views from their new workspace. Internal visibility and privacy are also incorporated to harmoniously marry transparency and security.

Crafted details are on display throughout the new office. A radius motif, inspired by the geometry of their logo, is utilized in many of the design decisions throughout the space. This is most evident in the pronounced millwork details at reception, the floor-to-ceiling brass screen walls, and the interior elevations in the café and executive offices.

A monumental stair was incorporated into the design to visually connect the two floors and to create a social amenity that is easily accessible for all employees. The café anchors the space at the bottom of the stair offering stunning views to downtown while at the top, a casual seating and breakout space is located outside the boardroom.

Taking inspiration from mid-century modern design techniques and detailing, the design provides a warm palette filled with natural materials to create a welcoming environment that is comfortable and approachable yet refined. Uniquely designed spaces celebrate the history of FirstBank’s local presence while promoting a spirit of innovation and forward thinking.

Framework for Design Excellence Narrative

1. Design for Resources: There is no stronger aspect to the design of FirstBank than the commitment to both positively impact and promote the community in which the company originated. From the materials of the monumental stair and millwork to the decorative brass screens, these design features were fabricated and assembled here in Middle Tennessee. This was a great opportunity to showcase local craft and fabrication as part of key design elements to be experienced throughout FirstBank’s space. Additionally, this instilled the importance to be locally sourced and to minimize travel and waste impacts outside of Nashville. While this project did not pursue LEED certification, the FirstBank Headquarters project was able to recycle 97.5% of all waste generated during construction. The importance of sustainability was not only a commitment, but an ethos amongst the ownership, design and construction team.

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1. Design for Well-Being: FirstBank is an emphasis on local – sense of place that offers visitors a unique experience …. a breath of fresh air. From the onset of entering FirstBank’s reception space, the user receives a wealth of natural light, exposure to material detailing and experiences visual movement through the orientation of flooring which acts as a connector and guide between spaces. The design reflects one of the client’s core values of transparency for both visitors and employees alike. It empowers free passage and usability between spaces, promotes a full experience of natural illumination and establishes a warm healthy setting for the everyday user. The design is intended to nurture the most important backbone of FirstBank, the people.

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1. Design for Discovery: The cultivation and distribution of knowledge amongst all contributors of the project were essential in the design process. Onsite work sessions from the owner, design and construction team were consistently fostered throughout the design and construction process. The design reflects the people, so it takes the people to actively engage with one another to better understand how we can not only react to decisions, but to have foresight for future ones. The monumental stair is a key example of interdisciplinary engagement to share knowledge amongst a diverse group to fulfill a common goal.