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West Michigan firm is delivering innovative architecture for clients and the world, with the support of Consumers Credit Union

Pure Architects was founded on the idea that architecture has the power to do good in the world. They specialize in educational, healthcare and workspaces centered on people, creating designs through the lens of sustainability and empathy.

The firm—with offices in Grand Rapids and Detroit—describes itself as “a place for optimists, experimenters and learners.” Their work is shaped by a team of 28 professionals, including some who are LEED- and WELL-certified. And the team helps shape the communities they live in by participating in planning and historic preservation commissions, the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and the Grand Rapids Economic Club Board of Directors.

“We give back through design and involving ourselves where we live,” said Zachary Verhulst, founder and CEO.

Tactical financial support from Consumers

When Zachary launched Pure Architects in 2020, in the midst of a global pandemic, he found it challenging to find support from a great banking partner.

“Our relationship with banks to date is one of skepticism,” he said. “They often look backward at track record; they don’t tend to look forward at potential.”

When he decided to buy a building on Leonard Street in Grand Rapids, Zachary said Consumers came to the table “in a positive and proactive way.” The willingness of Consumers to collaborate on this purchase led Zachary to move all of his accounts to the credit union. With Consumers, he explained, “there is a level of comfort and trust they’ve earned through their support.”

Zachary says one of the things he appreciated most is Consumers tactical approach, especially when it came to purchasing the Grand Rapids building, helping to review cash flows, incentives, and opportunities. For example, the Consumers team assisted Pure Architects with ESA and façade grants through the city and guided the deal structure in his best interest. By taking a bigger picture view and counting all forms of capital, we were able to help Pure finance their building.

Customer service makes the difference

“As an entrepreneur of color, I’ve experienced tough interactions with banks in the past who felt I didn’t fit a particular risk profile and viewed me as a stereotype or statistic,” Zachary said. “Consumers took the time to go beyond the pro forma. They looked to my business acumen and vision, and placed their trust in me.”

Counting personal and business accounts, Zachary has 14 active accounts with Consumers.

“I now bank exclusively with Consumers,” he said. “I enjoy my one-on-one interactions with staff and working with people I can trust and talk to on the phone.”

“My commercial lending contact is a difference-maker. She knows our business in-depth. She’s more like a fractional controller, and that’s why I moved over to Consumers. Jessica Huelga and Erik Edgington in the Breton Village office are also fantastic. The biggest difference with Consumers is the level of customer service we receive at all levels.”

Working on a second building

“We’re now working on the purchase of our second building,” Zachary said. “Shannon is in lockstep with us on everything from appraisal and environmental issues to deal structure.”

We’re proud to support Pure Architects and their goal to do good in the world. Learn more about their purpose and work at purearchitects.com.

Federally insured by NCUA.

Consumers business services

Do you have business banking questions? Contact our knowledgeable commercial loan officers.