Two DBSI Branch Transformations Named Finalists in 2026 Future Branches Innovators Awards

Arizona Financial Credit Union and Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union branches recognized among standout projects in the industry

DBSI announced today that two of its client projects have been named finalists in the 2026 Future Branches Innovators Awards. Arizona Financial Credit Union’s Biltmore branch in Phoenix, Arizona, is a finalist for Outstanding Branch Design, and Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union’s branch in Whitmire, South Carolina, is a finalist for Best Initiative to Promote Financial Inclusion and/or Literacy.

The Future Branches Innovators Awards recognize banks and credit unions for excellence in branch design, technology, and financial inclusion. Finalists are selected by a panel of independent judges chosen by the Future Branches team. Winners will be announced at Future Branches Austin, Dec. 1-3.

Both projects demonstrate the power of purpose-built design for financial institutions and the communities they serve.

Arizona Financial’s Biltmore flagship has become a destination for the industry to experience what a branch can be. In under a year, it has attracted financial leaders from across the country, earned national coverage, and delivered exceptional growth from a location others had overlooked. From the architecture and technology to service operations and experience strategy, every detail reflects the credit union’s evolution of the branch from a service point into a true relationship hub. The Biltmore project proves that a branch designed around relationships can deliver lasting value for members, the credit union, and the community it calls home.

“We wanted the Biltmore branch to be somewhere our members and community partners look forward to visiting. After nearly 25 years of working together, DBSI has developed a deep understanding of our members and our brand, and they carried our vision through every detail of the space,” said Melissa Brown, Senior Vice President and Chief Experience Officer at Arizona Financial Credit Union.

Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union shows that transformation can have an equally powerful impact on a smaller scale. With no financial institution left in town, Whitmire residents had nowhere local to bank until the credit union stepped in and committed to bringing full-service banking back to the town’s Main Street. Working with DBSI from design through to construction, Palmetto Citizens transformed a historic building into a modern branch that preserves local legacy and gives everyday banking back to residents. The Whitmire branch shows how one credit union’s investment can restore a town’s access to banking and strengthen the community around it.

“When Whitmire needed a financial institution, we were ready to answer, and we knew exactly who to call to help us deliver. DBSI turned our commitment into a branch this community is proud of,” said Robert Dozier, President and CEO of Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union.

Brown and Dozier joined EJ Kritz, Chief Experience Officer at DBSI, on stage at a recent industry event earlier this year to share the stories behind both projects.

“Watching these two branches come to life was a highlight of our year. Arizona Financial Credit Union and Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union saw what these spaces could mean for their members and their communities, and they placed their trust in DBSI to build that vision. We’re thrilled to see both teams recognized and can’t wait to celebrate with them in Austin,” said Kritz.

To learn more about each project and to explore additional case studies of DBSI’s branch transformation work, visit dbsi.com/our-work.

About DBSI

DBSI is a leading retail transformation firm that designs and builds better experiences for financial institutions and the people they serve. For nearly 30 years, DBSI has blended experience design, architecture, interiors, technology, and a people-first methodology to turn everyday spaces into destinations that drive measurable results. With design-build, digital signage, experiential marketing, service, and equipment all under one roof, DBSI delivers every phase of transformation with a single trusted partner, a model proven across thousands of projects nationwide. DBSI has been named one of Inc. 5000's fastest-growing companies, a winner in the 2026 Global Digital Signage Awards, and a repeat honoree in the 2027 People and Projects to Know in Commercial Real Estate. To learn more, visit dbsi.com or connect on LinkedIn.

About Arizona Financial Credit Union

Arizona Financial is a leading $3.9 billion not-for-profit financial institution, serving over 185,000 member-owners. Founded in 1936, we're dedicated to empowering individual consumers and small business owners with innovative financial solutions. From leading-edge mobile apps and self-service tools to competitive rates and comprehensive lending options, we're committed to simplifying banking. Forbes and Newsweek have recognized us as one of America's best credit unions for 2025 and 2026. We're proud to be an active community partner, supporting local venues like the Live Nation Theatre and providing grants to community nonprofits through Arizona Financial Foundation. With 20 branches across Arizona and access to a nationwide network of branches and ATMs through the CO-OP network, we're always within reach. Deposits are federally insured by the NCUA. Visit ArizonaFinancial.org

About Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union

Since 1936, Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union has served its members’ financial needs with a commitment to education and community support. In 2026, the credit union was recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in South Carolina. It proudly supports local charities, schools and organizations through volunteer service and monetary contributions, giving back over $600,000 and 900 volunteer hours in 2025. Today, the credit union manages over $1.5 billion in assets, employs more than 310 people and serves over 100,000 consumers across 15 branches and nearly 50 ATMs. For more information, visit www.palmettocitizens.org or call 762-337-6222.