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Ferrini-Konarski Associates

Sep 10
0

PMC Lighting Showcase: The SUNY Albany ‘Palm Trees’ Project

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After Upgrades

At PMC Lighting, we are often presented with challenging projects that call for creativity and precise engineering. In fact, our Build-2-Spec projects are known to become some of our favorites. This project at the University at Albany, State University of New York is one that is on our memorable list. It highlights our ability to design and engineer custom fixture solutions combined with our industry-leading lighting technology.

Before Upgrades

First…a little history.The buildings at SUNY Albany were built over the course of several years in the 1970s and were designed with slots cast into the concrete structure.  The buildings have square concrete support columns with four angled slots on each side of the square for a total of 16 slots.  The result looks like a palm tree. The first iteration in the 70s was done with fluorescent fixtures which were then retrofitted later on with newer fluorescent.  With our modern focus on energy efficiency, the University decided it was time to upgrade these fixtures. The challenging part: the fronds are angled on one end and the ceilings are concave…and SUNY Albany has 1,100 of these ‘palm trees’ with 16 fronds each throughout the campus.

Before Upgrades, SUNY Albany Library

How did PMC Lighting learn about this project? During LightFair 2017, held in Philadelphia, PMC’s Larry Crystal  was introduced to Bou Reed from Guth-DeConzo Consulting by David Konarski (Principal, Outside Sales) of Ferrini-Konarski Associates. After some discussions, a rough draft of the work and preliminary drawings were in hand. Later, after several site visits by Larry and PMC Lighting’s Director of Product Engineering Craig Nevers, we presented a true custom solution and won the contract due to the labor savings that our unique design offered.

(L) PMC Lighting’s Director of Product Engineering Craig Nevers Visits SUNY (R) A View of the Palm Trees Project

We are building whole new linear fixtures that fit these concrete slots, with LED lighting, electronic wireless controls for on/off and dimming, and a new lens structure that fits to the curved ceiling and is pulled into place to match the curves which can vary throughout. The fixtures take this into account and can be built to match whatever the particular building presents for sizes.

In these multistory buildings, the palm trees repeat from floor to floor. The building support columns that form the trunk of the trees repeat one on top of the other on all floors. While viewing the building from the outside, you can see stacks of palm trees, not just trees spread over one floor. We continue to work through the campus building by building as we continue their upgrade process. Stay tuned for more updates on this project!

Jul 22
3

July 2019 PMC Lighting Featured Agent of the Month: Ferrini-Konarski Associates

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PMC Lighting introduces our July Featured Agent, Ferrini-Konarski Associates.

This month, PMC Lighting’s Eastern Regional Sales Manager, Cassie Carter, highlights our agent in Upstate New York, Ferrini-Konarski Associates. Founded in 1974, Ferrini-Konarski Associates, Inc., is an Upstate New York agency representing the finest manufacturers of commercial, industrial, and residential lighting fixtures, controls, and associated products. With four full-service offices across the state, they offer support for lighting projects from design to completion. 

PMC Lighting has enjoyed a great relationship with Ferrini-Konarksi and David Konarski, Principal, Outside Sales, echoed that sentiment. “Ferrini-Konarski Associates (FKA) is proud to represent PMC Lighting in Upstate New York. We’ve had several recent project opportunities in higher education that have showcased PMC’s custom capabilities.” 

Hudson Valley Community College Project

David continued, “Hudson Valley Community College tasked T&J Electrical Associates and FKA with presenting ideas for upgrading their Campus Center with efficient LED fixtures. We worked with Larry Crystal and Craig Nevers to deliver lighting solutions that would blend with the simplistic architectural ambiance of the space while attaining comfortable, uniform lighting.”

PMC is currently in the process of shipping the University at Albany, State University of New York, the ‘Palm Trees’ project. “PMC’s involvement originated from a chance meeting and introduction in a cigar bar in Philadelphia during LightFair 2017. I was hosting a group that included an electrical engineer from Guth-DeConzo consulting. I introduced this gentleman to Larry Crystal who just happened to be at the same place. The next day we had a rough scope and drawings in our hands,” explained David.

(L) PMC Lighting’s Chief Engineer Craig Nevers visits SUNY Albany (R) A view of the ‘Palm Trees Project’

“SUNY Albany has 1,100 of these ‘palm trees’ throughout the campus.  Each palm tree has 16 ‘fronds’ that were to be upgraded from fluorescent to LED.  The challenge was that the fronds are angled on one end and the ceilings are concave,” David stated. “After several site visits with Larry and Craig Nevers, PMC presented a true custom solution that was mocked-up against three other potential bidders.  Ours was not the least expensive fixture but we were able to win the award due to the labor savings that PMC’s unique design offered.”

The Palm Trees Project, seen in the SUNY Albany library

In conclusion, David said, “Working with PMC over the years has been a true pleasure. They deliver big-time quality with a ‘whatever-it-takes’ attitude. FKA is honored to be PMC’s July Agent of the Month!”

Thank you, David, and all of the great folks at Ferrini-Konarksi Associates! We are happy to feature you and look forward to more projects in the future.