First Bank’s New Home Embraces Collaboration, Flexibility and Legacy

First Bank is a family-owned financial institution with deep roots in St. Louis and a vision for the future. When it came time to build a new headquarters, they didn’t just want a building—they wanted a legacy. Located on the site of their original headquarters, this new campus would reflect their enduring values while embracing a more modern, forward-thinking approach to the workplace. 

Partners: Lamar Johnson Collaborative, Cobalt Construction Consulting, and Brinkmann Constructors 

Situation

First Bank was ready to redefine how they worked. Their old headquarters no longer supported the changing needs of employees or the expectations of a modern workplace. As a future-focused, people-first organization, they envisioned a 100-year building that would serve as a landmark for the next generation—both in architecture and in culture. 

To make that vision real, they needed a space that was adaptable, aesthetically striking and fully centered around how people work today. That meant flexible seating, integrated collaboration zones and workplace neighborhoods that made the most of an unconventional building footprint. Above all, they wanted to create a home their employees would be proud of—one that would help retain talent, encourage collaboration and support wellbeing. 

Solution

Circadia was engaged early in the project—a full year before completion. This allowed the team to play a vital role in shaping not only the furniture solutions but the overall flow and function of the space. Working closely with the architecture and design teams, Circadia helped define and deliver a workplace strategy that brought First Bank’s vision to life. 

The new space embraces a completely free address model—no assigned desks, with just two private offices for HR and legal. To give structure to this approach, Circadia helped develop “neighborhoods” throughout the building: dedicated zones with open workstations flanked by phone and huddle rooms, each designed for flexibility and a sense of community. These neighborhoods were created within unique spatial constraints due to the building’s angular design and central atrium. The result: intentional areas that feel both grounded and open, maximizing collaboration without sacrificing comfort. 

Circadia and the design team approached furniture and finish selections with care and efficiency. Together, they pre-vetted options—down to every single finish and fabric—before presenting a tightly curated recommendation to the client. This collaborative, streamlined process helped maintain momentum and eliminated decision fatigue, leading to a faster, smoother path to installation. 

From project kickoff to final install, Circadia was all in. The team lived and breathed this project for over a year—designing, managing schedules, adapting to delivery shifts and finishing up punch items. Coordination with other vendors was key, and weekly sub-meetings ensured everyone stayed on track, even when timelines shifted unexpectedly. 

"The client service from Circadia’s entire team during the project was timely, professional, and honest. Their transparency throughout every step of the process, which went from design to implementation, was proof of their commitment to nurturing and growing the trust we have built over the many years of working together.”

Michael Dierberg & Jason Gray, First Bank 

Technology That Supports Flexibility 

Circadia’s technology division also played a central role in bringing First Bank’s vision to life. Acting as a design-build partner, the tech team developed standards for 77 spaces across the headquarters—ranging from small and large conference rooms to training rooms, open collaboration areas, outdoor entertainment zones, digital signage and the boardroom. 

To support the free address model, Circadia implemented a consistent and user-friendly technology strategy. Every conference room was equipped with Neat Teams Solutions, allowing any employee to walk in, present or join a Teams call with ease—regardless of which space they were using. Room technology was scaled by size, with the appropriate displays, mic and speaker bars, or in-ceiling AV. 

Digital signage was installed at elevator banks to broadcast internal messaging, and sound masking was integrated throughout open office areas to reduce distractions and enhance acoustic comfort. 

Executing a technology rollout of this scale required extensive coordination over an 18-month period. Circadia worked in close collaboration with the general contractor, electrical contractor, architect and other partners to ensure every detail was aligned and every phase of installation stayed on track. Despite the project's complexity, the result was a seamlessly integrated system that supports the bank’s flexible, people-first approach to work. 

Results

The end result is a headquarters that’s not only beautiful but also beloved. Employees have embraced the free address model, and feedback from First Bank staff—both leadership and day-to-day users—has been overwhelmingly positive. 

“From concept to punchlist, Circadia was a true partner in every sense. Their patience, guidance, and diligence allowed us to navigate through the complexities and high expectations that we had to make this new work experience second to none. Their efforts to really get to know our goals and intentions enabled them to provide not only quality products, but a quality design and process." 

Michael Dierberg & Jason Gray, First Bank 

One employee who helped lead a recent tour shared how excited they were to come to work now, and how the space had completely transformed the energy and culture of their team. That kind of feedback, coming directly from the people using the space every day, is exactly what Circadia strives for. 

The buzz around the building has extended beyond First Bank. With its distinctive architecture and stunning interiors, the new headquarters quickly became one of St. Louis’s most talked-about projects. People don’t just drive by—they want to go inside. 

“It turned out absolutely beautiful, but what I’m most proud of is everything that happened behind the scenes,” said Alex Holder, Circadia Account Manager. “This was, hands down, the most collaborative project I’ve ever been a part of. Everyone—from the GC to the design team to even our competitors—was on the same page, working toward one goal: delivering an incredible space for the client. That kind of teamwork made all the difference.”  

As project manager Lea Gerdes put it, “From the top down, the attitude was positive and supportive. We weren’t just vendors. We were a team.”