First West Credit Union Offices – Penticton
Omicron Interiors transformed the First West Credit Union offices in Penticton into an inclusive, light-filled workspace that seamlessly integrates community identity with flexible design, enhancing both member experiences and employee collaboration.
As a long standing design partner to credit unions across BC, Omicron brings a deep understanding of the operational models, member first and community values, and collaborative culture that define cooperative financial institutions. The integrated team has developed a specialized design approach tailored to credit unions’ unique needs; including balancing security with openness, reinforcing community identity, supporting staff agility, and creating memorable member facing experiences. This expertise has been refined through multiple credit union projects, allowing us to anticipate sector specific challenges and deliver environments that strengthen brand presence, improve workflow, and elevate the member experience.
Omicron Interiors designed the Penticton location of First West Credit Union (FWCU) with it’s adjoining Valley First Credit Union Branch. Penticton regional office’s tone was set by their first project with Omicron, a new-build head office in BC’s lower mainland (FWCU Langley Head Office). The Penticton regional office posed unique challenges due to its older structure, which had evolved through three major additions – each with distinct structural systems and connection points added as they expanded over time. The challenge was how to make this office as impressive as their head office, extending their unique workplace strategy with bright, inspiring, naturally cohesive, open work space. This 22,000 sq.ft. project encompassed FWCU’s shift to adopting fully agile working styles, prioritizing flexibility and adaptability for their fully hybrid model. Design decisions culminated to ultimately create a space that will support their needs for years to come.
FWCU Penticton regional office continued with the concept initially developed for their head office of seeking growth and providing areas of refuge, like the area under a mature tree. A petal shape was used throughout to provide canopies amongst the office. This regional office added elements of the local landscape by referencing rolling vineyards and orchards in materials and finishes
The resulting interior design prioritizes both functionality and human experience: shared spaces are strategically positioned to maximize daylight access for all staff, while private offices and meeting rooms offer easy accessibility and acoustic privacy. A grand green wall and staircase enhance the connection between previously disconnected structures, while a variety of collaboration zones, flexible workstations, and reconfigurable furniture support both planned and spontaneous interactions. Inclusive design was a key consideration, with gender-neutral washrooms, accessible rooms, corridors, sinks, and furnishings contributing to a workplace rooted in dignity and respect.
The project successfully harmonized three distinct building eras into a unified, light-filled interior, transforming previously compartmentalized and dimly-lit offices into open, airy, and cohesive spaces where people love to work.
This thoughtful integration balances functionality, community identity, and employee experience, positioning FWCU Penticton as a forward-thinking, inclusive workplace while celebrating its history and connection to the community.
Design: Omicron Interiors
Photography: Barrie Underhill | Upper Left Photography
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