on view
Commercial Office Building – Kansas City
Last year, Mercer Zimmerman and Built Solutions entered into a partnership that enables the two companies to offer a broader set of solutions for customers who want to create beautiful, functional spaces — whether it’s prefabricated interior rooms, decorative walls and ceilings, window shades, or the lighting that makes those spaces shine. An office building in downtown Kansas City showcases this collaborative partnership, with Built designing and installing DIRTT walls throughout the offices and conference rooms, and Mercer Zimmerman assisting with lighting needs, including fixture choices and control systems.
The multi-level layout showcases a modern and collaborative workspace designed with DIRTT sound-reducing panels and black-framed glass walls that invite natural light and openness. Solid walls are finished with premium coatings and custom-painted tiles that add personality while enhancing acoustic comfort. A variety of doors were used, such as barn pivot and double pivot doors for offices and conference rooms, while secure areas feature butt hinged doors with specialty hardware. Each room is equipped with smart power and connectivity solutions to support modern work needs. This results in an environment where architectural precision and technological integration are aligned.
“With DIRTT’s adaptable solutions, we helped shape a space that’s both functional and beautiful. It was a large project, but thanks to strong teamwork—not just within our team, but with our construction partners—everything came together seamlessly. It’s rewarding to know we contributed to a workplace that’s not only visually stunning, but also designed to uplift and empower the people who use it.” Chad Thacker, President, Built Solutions
This project also showcases a lineup of lighting manufacturers, including Finelite, Focal Point, Lumenwerx, Q-Tran, USAI Lighting, Vode, Wattstopper, ETC, and Williams. In the conference rooms and kitchen area, the Lumenwerx CURV2 fixtures bring a distinctive flair with their circular and oval forms, creating a visually engaging and contemporary atmosphere. On the outside of the conference rooms, Q-Tran’s Q-CAP ZALA tape lighting provides a subtle layer of ambient illumination along the hallway aisles. Together, these lighting elements and controls create a cohesive illuminated environment that balances aesthetics with functionality.
“From our perspective, the product selection went smoothly because we engaged in budget conversations very early with the design team,” said Samira Kiger, director of Sales and Marketing at Mercer Zimmerman. “By aligning on square-foot budget needs upfront, we were able to curate light fixture suggestions that supported the design intent while staying within the established budget. As a result, there was little to no need for value engineering, since the team was able to design confidently with transparent budgetary pricing from the start.”
Reach out to Mercer Zimmerman to learn more about how our partnership with Built Solutions can save you time and money on your next project.
The Players:
Architect: HOK
Engineer: Lankford Fendler & Associates, Antella Consulting Engineers
Electrical Contractor: Mark One Electric
General Contractor: JE Dunn
insight to light
Finishes that Last: Exploring PRIMAR with Hess America
An Interview with Jeremy Friedman, Hess National Sales Manager, Experience Brands
In contemporary architecture, finishes are far more than a protective skin. They define how materials age, how spaces feel, and how a project continues to perform decades after the ribbon cutting. Finishes are an integral part of the design conversation where engineering meets aesthetics.
Hess America’s standard finish, PRIMAR, is attracting attention from architects for its unique blend of durability, sustainability, and visual depth. We sat down with Hess America to discuss what makes PRIMAR different and how their standard finish supports architects in creating projects that endure.
Architects are always balancing beauty with durability. How does your approach support both?
At Hess, we believe finishes shouldn’t just protect, they should elevate design. That’s why our range of standard architectural finishes, and particularly PRIMAR, is engineered to combine long-term resilience with a refined aesthetic. Whether you’re working on a civic plaza, a coastal resort, or a corporate campus, the finish is what determines how the product weathers over time and how it harmonizes with its environment.
What makes PRIMAR different from traditional finishes like powder-coating or paint?
PRIMAR is a wet-applied, mineral-based coating that uses a unique lamellar pigment; think of tiny, plate-like particles layered like shingles on a roof. This structure creates a powerful shield against UV rays, moisture, and corrosive elements. Compared to conventional powder coating or paint, it delivers greater longevity, a richer texture, and a consistent look across multiple substrates.
Where do architects see the biggest value in specifying Hess products with PRIMAR?
The real strength of PRIMAR shines through in challenging environments. Coastal projects benefit from its resistance to salt air, industrial sites rely on its protection against chemicals, and public infrastructure appreciates its ability to maintain its appearance year after year. But beyond durability, many architects choose it because it masks different substrates: steel, aluminum, or cast components, giving them one seamless finish across the entire design.
How about design flexibility?
PRIMAR offers a selection of sophisticated, darker tones—from Silver Grey and Graphite Grey to Dark Bronze and Matte Black. These shades have a subtle metallic luster that feels timeless and blends beautifully with stone, glass, and modern architectural metals. Because the texture and sheen are part of the appeal, we always encourage architects to review a physical sample to fully appreciate the depth of the finish.
The standard palette leans towards deeper tones, so if a project demands light or very bright colors, other custom RAL finishes are available.
Sustainability is high on every architect’s agenda. How does PRIMAR contribute to that conversation?
Longevity is sustainability. By providing a finish that can last around 20 years without significant degradation, PRIMAR reduces the need for repainting, refinishing, or premature replacement. Its mineral pigment is non-toxic, non-flammable, and stable at extreme temperatures, which makes it both safe and environmentally responsible. In practice, this means fewer resources consumed over the life of a project.
Reach out to your Mercer Zimmerman rep to learn more about PRIMAR from Hess America.
fact-ology
The Q: How can you easily determine delivered lumens in emergency mode when specifying a constant power driver?
The A: Multiply fixture efficacy by battery output wattage
To easily calculate delivered lumens when specifying a constant power emergency driver, follow these steps:
Step 1: Determine the fixture’s efficacy in normal mode | Example: 140 lumens per watt
Step 2: Identify the emergency driver’s constant output wattage | Example: 10 watts
Formula:
Delivered Lumens = Fixture Efficacy x Emergency Driver Wattage
Delivered Lumens = 140 x 10 = 1400 lumens
Why use a constant power emergency pack?
- Can be field-installed when needed
- Provides consistent light output throughout the full 90-minute emergency runtime
- Delivers a fixed wattage in emergency mode, regardless of the fixture’s normal operating wattage
- Check out Isolite’s Energy Efficient Emergency Drivers | EMP
Check the manufacturer’s specifications for specific data before specifying.
lighten up
Lighting Faux Pas: Don’t Do This!
You’re racing against a tight construction schedule and need to install a light in the garage. The mounting instructions are vague, and you remember you have a ceiling tile that might work. It’s tempting to improvise, but don’t! Using materials not intended for the job can lead to safety issues and costly rework. Always follow the proper installation guidelines and consult with your team before making quick fixes.