The First Republic Bank was looking to make a statement in Manhattan at Lexington Avenue and 79th Street. Working with Kenneth Lill of KAL Architecture (New York) and Jack Esterson of Studio A Architects (New York), the financial institution sought a contemporary design for its newest banking center.

The answer was found in a material.

The design duo chose a sandstone material (manufactured by Devonian Stone of New York Inc.) for the building’s exterior and interior. The blue-gray color of the sandstone complements the structure’s stainless-steel and glass elements, keeping consistent with the contemporary style. The material also blends with some of its more traditional design cues found in the space, like gold-trimmed doors and handrails.

The stone runs along the base of the interior walls and up the stairs. Outside, the material off sets the bank’s hunter green accents.

“This building has turned into a significant piece of architecture for New York City,” says Lill.