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Taste-Making with Tradition

Connecting three floors of office space through curated artwork and thoughtful millwork

Nestled in the heart of downtown Kansas City, three floors of office space have been transformed into a collaborative working environment adorned with walnut touches and artistic expressions that not only brighten the area but tell the story of Dickinson Financial Corporation’s (DFC) legacy. 

In serving the architectural and interior design needs of DFC for over a decade, Generator was cognizant of the financial institution’s desire to make the space emblematic of the future of the company while still paying homage to its beginnings. By showcasing oil paintings from the founders’ personal collection, incorporating warm walnut millwork, and creating custom and meaningful art installations, Generator was able to design a workspace that challenges the corporate workplace archetype. 

The previous space that the financial institution occupied was filled with hundreds of oil paintings that had been acquired over time. Generator’s interior design team worked with Dickinson Financial Corporation to not only select the artwork from the collection that would be showcased in the new space but also navigate the storage and future use of the artwork that went unused in the headquarters. 

Beyond the oil paintings adorning the three floors of office space, the walnut millwork throughout the space welcomes a comfortable tone. The elevator lobbies and hospitality areas hold that same welcoming presence. The cohesive line of sight created by the millwork ties all spaces together despite the office’s footprint covering three different floors. 

In illuminating the heritage of Dickinson Financial Corporation and igniting the organization’s future, new art installations were included in the overall design of the approximately 59,000-square-foot office space.

The wall in the lobby is home to one of the most unique pieces of art designed specifically for the headquarters; a deconstructed family tree showcasing the Dickinson family line. A painting of the late Gary Dickinson is accompanied by a newly commissioned piece of his wife Ann. Gary founded the company and Ann was imperative in the growth of the financial institution. Between the two portraits, blades are introduced to represent the time between the two dignitaries. 

Continuing along the wall, four separate groups of blades represent Gary and Ann’s four children. These groups are intermingled with copper leaves in the shape of those from Dogwood trees, Missouri’s official state tree—commemorating Dickinson Financial Corporation’s beginnings in Missouri. 

In addition to the lobby’s art installation, another notable piece is located behind the reception desk. Honoring the history of banking while recognizing the industry’s future, 3D prints of traditional banking elements are showcased in front of an LED lighting display, melding the past, present, and future of banking.

The 2024 American Business Award-winning financial institution now has a technology-forward and artistically expressive headquarters to carry out the financial services of its bank brands.  

To learn more about the Dickinson Financial Corporation Headquarters project, click here.