Design Forum/Washington Mutual Win National Design Award.

Business Editors

DAYTON, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 4, 2001

Design Forum and Washington Mutual share an Outstanding Merit crystal design award from National Association of Store Fixture Manufacturers (NSAFM) for Washington Mutual's innovative retail banking design. Scott Smith, Senior Vice President of Design and Planning of Design Forum and Karen Curtin, Senior Vice President New Market Distribution of Washington Mutual accepted the award at the Retail Design Awards Reception on Thursday, March 22 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois.

Retailers, designers, and fixture manufacturers from Canada, Hong Kong, Australia and South Africa were recognized in the hour-long awards ceremony, which took place in the Vista Ballroom of McCormick Place at the conclusion of the first day of GlobalShop. This year's winners successfully integrated technology, service and comfort into well-branded store designs.

"The design of Washington Mutual's `Occasio' financial stores represents a dramatic shift from traditional bank branches in look, feel and service," said Curtin. "Rather than directing customers out to the ATMs, Occasio takes its cues from cutting edge retailers -- using a open, welcoming environment and top-notch customer service to draw customers into the branch."

This focus on relationship-building through a retail focus is highlighted by a circular, relaxed environment; lifestyle graphics; unique fixtures, and technology that completely enhances the human experience and adds value to employee interaction.

Teller towers that automatically dispense cash, and allow easier interaction between customers and service representative, replace teller windows and are at the center of the financial store. The base unit is square -- faux legs at each corner imitate the look of the relaxed furniture elsewhere in the branch. The finish varies vertically from a gray up to a 6" strip of light maple and the top apron highlights a cherry finish matching the legs. Finish changes are broken up with 1/8" painted black reveals. The countertop finish is a deep purple with a black edge matching the purple soffett.

One of the nation's top design firms, Design Forum has its headquarters in Dayton, Ohio and operates offices in Irvine, California; Seattle, Washington; Phoenix, Arizona; and, Chicago, Illinois. Design Forum offers a comprehensive range of integrated services focusing on all aspects of retail design, architecture, and engineering, including consumer research, creative thinking, brand development and strategic positioning.

Design Forum has an international client list that includes Ann Taylor, Mercantile, Best Buy, Audi, Staples, Wright Patt Credit Union, Ford, Lindt Chocolates, Saturn and Carnival Cruises.

With a history dating back to 1889, Washington Mutual, Inc. (NYSE:WM) is a national financial services company that provides a diversified line of products and services to consumers and small- to mid-sized businesses. At December 31, 2000, Washington Mutual and its subsidiaries had assets of $194.72 billion. Washington Mutual currently operates more than 2,300 consumer banking, mortgage lending, commercial banking, consumer finance and financial services offices throughout the nation. Washington Mutual's news releases are available at www.wamu.com.