The unconventional decor was strictly by design, says Forer, who describes the interior as an East/West Indian ethnic look. "The bank handles a diversity of cultures," she explains. "The question was how to have all of these multinationals walk in and feel at home. And the solution was to establish a multiple-ethnic style. I thought this approach would give everyone something to identify with."

Indeed, even before Forer began the design, Lynn Fenster, founder and chairperson of Oceanmark Bank, desired an interior that was more inviting and user-friendly. Recalling her early banking experience as a mortgage lender, Fenster says that customer relationships back then were "friendly, but the surroundings were institutional and stand-offish."

Thus, when the bank's 10-year-old decor began showing signs of age, the time was ripe for change. Fenster invited Forer to propose a new design. "We talked about an island theme, and left it up to her after that," Fenster says.

Having seen other installations the designer had done, Fenster already had confidence in Forer's work. Nevertheless, Forer was required to make a full design presentation to the bank's board of directors before she was officially retained. According to Fenster, the designer's plan was unanimously and enthusiastically approved.

From the onset, Forer faced two major obstacles. One was the existence of materials that were the antithesis of an island theme. These included peach-colored, vinyl wall coverings and black-and-white, pebble-patterned formica. The other was limited work time, forcing all demolition and installation to be conducted during evenings, weekends and holidays.

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