As a former partner with KPMG, Aquesta Bank President and CEO Jim Engel gained deep knowledge of the industry. While advising clients across the country, Engel developed an appreciation for the small business ethics exhibited by community banks. A resident of Lake Norman, Engel saw a need for a community bank in the area. In December 2004, Engel decided to leave KPMG after 21 years to foster his vision for Aquesta Bank.

By May 2005, Jim had rounded up 14 investors to serve on the board of directors. And on August 1, 2006, Aquesta Bank opened.

Since then, Aquesta Bank has become a trusted business partner in the community, establishing a strong customer base with a small business philosophy. Customers range from small to mid size businesses, retail customers, real estate developers, and other business enterprises in the Lake Norman area. Aquesta Bank prides itself on greeting customers on a first name basis.

Because of Aquesta Bank’s involvement in the community, its staff has a working knowledge of the families and businesses that are its clients. Engel would attribute this to his personal philosophy. "I believe that your strongest people should be in front of your best customers. Most big name banks reward excellence with a promotion away from customer relations," he says.

In November 2006, Engel and the board of directors took their vision to the next level. After partnering with Mike Stewart, President of Global Project Solutions, LLC, a project management consulting company based out of Huntersville, North Carolina, they began putting together the best team to execute their plan. The vision: build a class "A" three-story corporate headquarters that would serve as the foundation for their expansion.

With Stewart’s expertise in project development, planning, design, and construction, Aquesta Bank selected Roger Layman Architecture of Davidson, North Carolina. Almost immediately, Roger Layman Architecture began developing a design for the new headquarters.

Aquesta Bank had a strong desire to connect to the Lake Norman region. The importance of relating the architecture to the local environment and the lifestyle of the residents was strongly emphasized. With that in mind, Roger Layman crafted a plan with design elements to include a curved roof, reminiscent of local sailboats, and blue-green glass, reflecting the waters of Lake Norman.

The planned use of natural stone for the exterior and environmentally friendly, locally purchased products for the interior demonstrates Aquesta Bank’s commitment to the community as well as its environment. Considerable dedication went into developing the environmentally sound design. Initiatives such as using a daylight-control system to manage interior lighting and conserve energy and sensor controls in the restrooms to lower water use are among ideas being researched. Aquesta Bank also is investigating using rainwater collection for landscape irrigation and solar power to conserve energy.

With a class "A" design in mind, Aquesta Bank and Global Project Solutions were charged with finding a general contractor. After interviewing several qualified firms, Edifice was selected. The cohesive Edifice team, which consists of Jeff Hosack, Division Manager, and Chuck Jacobs, Superintendent, is experienced in all areas of the new facility’s construction.

"We are happy to be introduced to the design team at an early stage, affording us the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with Roger Layman Architecture and Aquesta Bank to deliver the vision Aquesta Bank is seeking," Hosack says.

On March 1st, Edifice helped Aquesta Bank clear the path for future success with the groundbreaking of their three-story headquarters in Cornelius. "We’re delighted to be forming a long-term relationship with a company that understands the importance of community," says Eric Laster, Edifice CEO. "As a local area contractor with strong community ties, Edifice, too, has built its foundation on the strength of its relationships