Great partnerships in architecture aren’t built overnight. They are shaped over years of collaboration, shared challenges, and a commitment to doing the right thing, every time. For Charles Vincent George Architects and Wintrust, that foundation began in 2010 with a single project and has grown into a dynamic, trusted relationship spanning more than 15 years.
What started as a rebranding effort for a neighborhood branch has evolved into a multifaceted partnership. From managing over 600,000 square feet of corporate interiors to designing branches that reflect the character of communities across Chicagoland, CVG has become more than a design partner. The firm is a reliable, strategic resource and ally in Wintrust’s continued growth.
This is the story of how a thoughtful, responsive approach to architecture has helped a financial institution build spaces that last.
The relationship began when Wintrust acquired a bank branch that CVG had originally designed for another financial services client. Tasked with rebranding the space, we delivered a solution that set the tone for future collaborations. Later that same year, CVG was asked to take on the adaptive reuse of a historic building, converting it into a bank. That early success proved pivotal.
By 2016, CVG was selected as one of the corporate campus architects for Wintrust’s headquarters in Rosemont. This marked a significant turning point. Today, the firm helps manage three campus buildings, including one that is nearly 400,000 square feet.
In addition to corporate interiors, CVG has designed numerous Wintrust bank branches across the region. From the cultural richness of Little Village and the refined energy of Lincoln Park to the suburbs of Rockford and Montgomery, the projects vary widely. What connects them is a consistent, thoughtful approach. We support every phase, from site selection and zoning to construction oversight and furniture procurement, all while staying focused on Wintrust’s goals.
Working as an extension of Wintrust’s internal team is part of what has made our relationship so successful. Our close alignment with the corporate real estate team, and their building partners ensures that every step is informed, collaborative, and responsive.
Over time, we’ve become a one-stop resource for Wintrust. From architecture and interiors to contractor bidding and construction management, our team handles a wide range of services with confidence and care. Wintrust has come to rely on this versatility.
Each project is also deeply rooted in place. The design philosophy emphasizes architecture that reflects the character and history of the surrounding community. In Geneva, that meant preserving the aesthetic of a historical service station while converting it into a drive-thru bank facility. In Lincoln Park, our approach for the build-out of a new branch in an existing retail corridor was more boutique and upscale. This commitment to contextual design mirrors Wintrust’s mission as a community bank. Each branch feels like it belongs to the neighborhood it serves.
Perhaps no project better reflects our close partnership with Wintrust than the transformation of the former Naperville Post Office. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building required an exceptional level of care, expertise, and collaboration.
CVG led the effort to meet guidelines from both the Illinois State Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service. By assembling a team of specialist consultants, including experts in federal preservation standards, acoustics, and structural systems, we eased the burden on Wintrust while safeguarding the building’s architectural integrity.
The result? A restored facility that honors the past while fully supporting the future of Wintrust’s operational goals and brand identity. It’s just one example of how we combine technical rigor with strategic foresight, ensuring every project is not only distinctive, but also functional.
Designing for Wintrust brings with it challenges typical in the financial sector. Security, durability, and customer experience must all be addressed without compromising design integrity. Projects often require blending existing infrastructure with modern technology, or integrating advanced security systems seamlessly into already operating branches.
We approach each challenge proactively. That means engaging in clear, timely communication, staying ahead of issues through careful coordination, and applying judicious value engineering to keep budgets on track without losing the essence of the design.
Ultimately, CVG’s role is about advocacy. We represent Wintrust’s interests across municipalities, through zoning boards, during construction phases, and in countless other moments where accountability matters. That trust has been earned over time—through responsiveness, consistency, and a shared belief in building not just for today, but for the long term.
The work we do together is not only about creating high-functioning spaces; it’s about designing environments that reinforce Wintrust’s identity as a community-first institution.
As we look ahead, we remain committed to supporting Wintrust’s continued growth—through thoughtful design, honest partnership, and an unwavering focus on the people and communities they serve.
