It has been Willamette Print & Blueprint’s privilege, and our challenge, to once again work with Scanlan Kemper Bard (SKB) and their design firm, Ankrom Moisan, over the past two years to update and transform several areas of the American Bank Building in downtown Portland. The mission was to brighten up the lobby area by covering the brown marble elevator wall with a fresh, modern design. The marble could not be damaged, and the vinyl to be used on the newly designed walls needed to be protected from the busy foot traffic, bicycles and construction gear going in and out of the lobby elevators.

We printed directly to a 3M vinyl, and researched the best laminate to make it “bullet-proof,” as the client requested. You can see from the photos that the mission was accomplished; the lobby looks modern, bright, and fresh. The complex, spiral-like design was challenging to work with and line up perfectly, but well worth it.

Printing is about more than just putting ink to substrate. It is about relationships and teamwork. The entire WPB team consulted with the client, the designers, the installers, and the building facilitators to update this classic building.  We listened to the client needs, checked out the site numerous times, researched the best materials and offered suggestions. We were so fortunate to work with a very professional client and an amazing design team.

Photos by Casey Braunger