on view
From Structure to Statement: Kansas Health Foundation’s Innovative Design
The Kansas Health Foundation, based in Wichita, is a nonprofit organization committed to improving the health and well-being of people across Kansas. By supporting initiatives in schools, neighborhoods, and communities, the Foundation works to create a lasting, statewide impact. Its headquarters is designed to reflect their mission; the space includes administrative offices, flexible meeting rooms, and collaborative areas that support partnerships with community organizations.
When you walk into the building, you’ll see tall ceilings and modern lighting from Brownlee’s High Beam fixtures, which help create a bright and open atmosphere. This sense of openness continues into the conference room, where the HE Williams MX2R fixtures form two continuous rectangles. The clean lines and geometric layout of the lighting add a bold visual element while providing even, functional illumination for meetings and collaboration. Throughout the project, a variety of manufacturers contributed to lighting design, including Assurance Emergency Lighting, Brownlee, Cooper Lighting Solutions, Kelvix, Mule, USAI Lighting, HE Williams, and Wattstopper.
“Collaborating with Mercer Zimmerman on the Kansas Health Foundation Renovation Project was an outstanding experience. Given the visibility and importance of this location in Wichita, I knew that the stakes were high. The team at Mercer Zimmerman provided me with assistance on light fixture selection and control sequences that were ideal for the new entry vestibule. The result is a space that not only meets our expectations but enhances the character of one of Wichita’s most iconic corridors.” – Drew Rose, Integrated Consulting Engineers
The Players:
Architect: Shelden Architecture
Electrical Contractor: Linder & Associates, Inc.
Engineer: Integrated Consulting Engineers
General Contractor: McCownGordon
insight to light
How Lighting Fixture Finishes Shape Your Space
An Interview With Nuno Pires Da Silva, VP of Design, SONNEMAN
What does the finish of a light fixture matter in interior design?
Lighting finishes are more than surface details; they shape the mood, style, and cohesion of a space. Finishes reflect your design vision and interact with surrounding elements like paint, wood, and textiles. Whether you want warmth, contrast, or sleek minimalism, the right finish helps unify your space and elevate its character.
What finishes work best with warm, earthy palettes, and which SONNEMAN fixtures showcase this?
For interiors featuring rich, earthy tones like terracotta, burgundy, or forest green, brass is a go-to finish. It adds depth, warmth, and a touch of luxury. SONNEMAN’s Scepter Bath Bar is a standout example, it features a warm brass finish that complements both traditional and modern aesthetics. Brass also reflects light with a soft, ambient glow, making it ideal for cozy, intimate spaces like bedrooms and dining rooms.
How do chrome and aluminum finishes enhance cooler-toned spaces?
If your space leans towards cooler hues, such as navy, sage, or eggshell white, then chrome or bright satin aluminum finishes are ideal. These finishes offer a sleek, modern sensibility and amplify natural and artificial light with their reflective surfaces. SONNEMAN’s Chimes Chandelier in Polished Chrome is a perfect example. It brings a crisp, contemporary edge to a room, making it feel more open and luminous. These finishes are especially effective in kitchens, bathrooms, and modern living areas where clarity and brightness are key.
Can I mix different finishes in the same room? Or should everything match?
You can definitely mix finishes, and it can look great when done right! SONNEMAN suggests using a warm finish like brass for accent pieces (like wall sconces or table lamps) and a cooler finish like chrome for ceiling lights. This creates contrast and adds interest without making the room feel too busy. The trick is to repeat each finish at least once, maybe on your cabinet handles, mirror frame, or furniture legs.
fact-ology
The A: Cyan, Magenta, & Yellow
The Q: What are the secondary colors of light?
The secondary colors of light — cyan, magenta, and yellow — are formed by mixing two of the three primary colors of light, red, green, and blue, in equal amounts. Red and green light combine to make yellow, green and blue make cyan, and blue and red make magenta. This process follows the additive color model, which describes how light behaves when different wavelengths are combined. These secondary colors are essential in the lighting industry, especially in technologies like stage lighting, LED fixtures, and architectural lighting systems, where precise control is needed to create dynamic environments. Understanding how secondary colors are made allows lighting designers and engineers to manipulate light effectively, achieving engaging and functional lighting environments.
lighten up
Omaha’s Blur Event Brings the Industry Together
Every summer, Omaha shines as the Blur Tailgate and CWS Event draws industry leaders, partners, customers, and friends together for a memorable gathering during the College World Series. This year’s two-day celebration, held on June 13th and 17th, marked the 13th Annual Omaha Blur Tailgate with record enthusiasm and vibrant energy.
Thank you to our sponsors—ETC, DMF, LVS/Meyers, Finelite, and Red Sky—whose support made this event possible.
