fool or be fooled
Happy April Fools!
We asked a handful of our employees here at Mercer Zimmerman to share their best April Fools’ stories—from harmless pranks to moments where they were totally fooled.
Baylie Stous – Operations Coordinator
My dad housesat once for family friends, and on April Fools ‘ Day, he moved all of their upstairs furniture downstairs and the downstairs furniture upstairs! That was a commitment!
Bennett Johnson – IT Manager
I had a music professor in college who played the best April Fool’s prank. We were practicing a piece and couldn’t get it right, so he walked over to the first violinist, snatched her violin, and broke it over his knee, shattering it into a hundred pieces. We were shocked and speechless until we learned it was an old, non-functional violin, and the whole thing was cooked up ahead of time!
Donna Hill – Accounting Assistant
Last year for April Fool’s, I brought a donut box to the office, but I filled it with a vegetable tray. Not sure everyone actually knew that I was the one who did this, but a LOT of people were fooled.
Emily Frias – Customer Service Representative
My mom managed a doctor’s office. On one April Fool’s Day, she gave the receptionist a list of patients to call to confirm their upcoming appointments. Upon calling, the receptionist got some confused folks on the other end, not sure what they were talking about. She was calling to confirm for “Mr. Fox” or “Mr. Lyon”…turns out the number she was calling was to the local zoo!
on view
Children’s Nebraska Behavioral Health & Wellness Center – Omaha, Nebraska
The newly opened Children’s Nebraska Behavioral Health & Wellness Center marks a significant step forward in pediatric mental healthcare in the region. Spanning 107,250 square feet, the facility is designed to provide a full continuum of behavioral health services under one roof, offering everything from 24/7 crisis assessment and stabilization to inpatient, outpatient, and day treatment programs. The center’s carefully designed environment plays a critical role in the patient experience, incorporating calming colors, nature‑inspired graphics, and adjustable lighting features.
Lighting throughout the facility was thoughtfully selected to support both patient care and comfort. Within patient rooms, Symmetry Overbed fixtures and GIG task lights from Visa Lighting create a layered lighting approach, providing soft, even ambient illumination alongside focused task lighting for everyday activities.
Outside of patient rooms and within waiting and circulation spaces, varying sizes of Symmetry fixtures maintain visual continuity, while Curvia fixtures from Lumenwerx, integrated into the ceiling design, add a subtle architectural element that enhances spatial flow and contributes to a calm, welcoming environment.
The project also features lighting solutions from GVA Lighting, Prudential Lighting, Kenall, QTL, and Ligman, with lighting controls by Wattstopper Plus.
“The Mercer Zimmerman team, especially Chilli Chongo, was instrumental to our design process through countless samples, design iterations, submittals, and shop drawing revisions to realize the vision. Additionally, with an ambitious controls strategy including wireless site lighting, dynamic-white DALI in in‑patient areas, and DMX integration, Michael Yoch consistently provided expert support. At HDR, we view Mercer as a true design partner; their collaboration was pivotal to this project’s success.” – Cody Starkey, HDR
The Players:
Architect: HDR
Engineer: HDR
Electrical Contractor: Electric Company of Omaha
General Contractor: Kiewit Corporation
insight to light
Lighting the Path Forward
Insights from Josh Levin, Founder of Empowered Electric
Tell us about your role at Empowered Electric.
I typically say I’m the guy in the crow’s nest of the boat, looking out toward the horizon—trying to spot what opportunities or challenges are coming before they’re right in front of us. A big part of my role is thinking ahead, anticipating issues, and helping position our team and partners for what’s next.
How have electrical and lighting needs evolved in the projects you’re seeing today?
The evolution of lighting controls has been incredible. Controls are constantly adapting to address environmental challenges while also delivering the level of function and customization today’s customers expect. The speed at which this technology continues to advance is honestly mind‑blowing.
What are some of the most common challenges you face across different projects?
Owner‑provided lighting (laughs). At times, design teams can be so focused on customer satisfaction that the contract side is left trying to piece it all together. The challenge becomes figuring out how to deliver what the customer wants, what was originally proposed, and what they’re willing to accept in terms of price, quality, and performance.
What lessons or best practices have you learned that help drive successful outcomes on complex jobs?
Problems ignored are problems compounded. The moment you see an issue, it needs to be addressed. One approach we rely on is the 1‑3‑1 method: for every one problem, bring three possible solutions to the table and clearly recommend one path forward. It helps keep projects moving and conversations productive.
What has your experience been like working with Mercer Zimmerman, and what do you value most in that partnership?
The lunch‑and‑learns, onsite troubleshooting, and creative value‑engineering ideas are all valuable—but what truly sets the partnership apart is the responsiveness. Those quick texts and conversations in the final moments of closing a deal often make the difference and help push us across the finish line to win the job.
out of controls
Top 5 Plug Load Control Tips (IECC 2021+)
As adoption of the IECC 2021 and 2024 energy code continues, control of our plug loads is a requirement we need to navigate. There is much energy savings to be had, but careful design, execution, and end-user education are paramount for a successful, frustration-free installation.
1. Design for the 50% Controlled Receptacle Requirement
IECC 2021 requires at least 50% of all receptacles (and 25% of modular furniture feeds) to automatically turn off via occupancy sensor within 20 minutes of vacancy.
2. Plan Sensor Integration Early
Plug load controls can be tied to the same occupancy sensors used for lighting. Early coordination avoids sensor overload, reduces hardware redundancy, and keeps programming simple. Remember, IECC 2021 formally adds plug load control as part of expanded mandatory control provisions.
3. Clearly Separate Controlled vs. Uncontrolled Receptacles
Provide designers, installers, and owners with a simple way to distinguish controlled outlets—on the plans with special symbols that indicate controlled vs uncontrolled, and in real life by using special markings, colored plugs, or labeling on receptacles—so that critical loads (e.g., servers, fridges) stay powered.
4. Use Networked or System-Level Controls Where Practical
Centralized or networked control systems simplify compliance with auto‑off timing, enable global scheduling, and make occupancy-based plug-load control more reliable across zones.
5. Commission Thoroughly and Document Everything
Validate sensor timeouts, controlled circuit coverage, and labeling during commissioning. Provide clear O&M documentation so facility teams understand which receptacles turn off and why. Buy-in from facilities teams and individual end-users is critical for long‑term code compliance.