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Construction Business Review
Panel Specialists, Inc.
Innovative Wall Panels
Elliot Germany, President and CEOSince its inception in 1990, Panel Specialists, Inc. (PSI), a pioneering manufacturer of custom wall panels, partitions, casework, furniture, and wall systems, has garnered experience and fostered a seasoned professional team. Its unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, coupled with an emphasis on delivering an exceptional end product, has made it a trusted ally that architects, designers, and owners rely on for creating bespoke environments that reflect their aspirations.
Envisioning a future where lives are enriched through enhanced environments, PSI’s wall panels grace diverse spaces, from hospitals and schools to courthouses, aiming to positively influence the daily experiences of all stakeholders.
“We embody our client’s vision by delivering quality products on time and within budget, all while providing excellent customer service along the way,” says Elliot Germany, president and CEO of PSI.
PSI offers clients a variety of surfaces that meet utility high-design needs and are artistic. The company offers affordable standard laminates in a range of rich colors ideal for unique environments. They also provide durable laminates that mimic the elegance and texture of premium veneers.
Through these offerings, PSI aids clients in strategically selecting materials for various environments by considering factors like lighting, foot traffic, and aesthetics to balance durability and cost-effectiveness. It recommends high pressure laminates for areas with substantial sunlight exposure, while more durable wear-resistant laminate and phenolic panels are suggested for high-traffic areas. It also discusses the potential of transitioning between materials, like shifting from a robust laminate in a high-traffic corridor to a premium veneer in a boardroom.
For high-reach areas elevated from the floor, it proposes using less compact laminate, which still retains the appearance of the more durable material used at ground levels. It also encourages its clients to use durable decorative glass materials that give a distinctive look for sleek and modern fashion.
The process of custom manufacturing and designing with PSI varies depending on the owners, architects, or designers. When owners approach PSI, it provides hands-on assistance that helps bring their ideas to life. With designers and architects who have a specific project in mind but need guidance on the practicalities, PSI engages in thorough conversations to identify the best materials, yields and approaches to ensure the project is effective and economical.
For example, in healthcare settings, PSI’s wall systems transcend mere aesthetics. They play a multifaceted role, offering protection, enhancing beauty, and creating an environment that feels more like home. Hospitals now emulate a homely atmosphere, fostering a conducive environment for patients during their stay, which aids in the healing process. Similarly, in schools, PSI collaborates with designers to create engaging environments. From wayfinding solutions for kindergarteners to integrating tech boards for interactive learning, PSI’s panels redefine the educational landscape.
We embody our client’s vision by delivering quality products on time and within budget, all while providing excellent customer service along the way
It utilizes diverse resources to proactively collaborate with architects and secure potential projects. To establish credibility and educate architects and designers about its capabilities, PSI organizes informative events like “lunch and learns” and Continuing Education Unit (CEU) courses. Once a project is determined, it collaborates with the designers and architects to bring their vision to life by leveraging the collective knowledge of its team of engineers, estimators, and other experts.
On a particular occasion, the Parkland Hospital project, a large-scale construction endeavor, faced the challenge of installing decorative, functional headwall panels in a cost-effective and timely manner. The traditional custom millwork method was deemed unsuitable due to time constraints and high costs. PSI, being the subcontractor, proposed a solution to develop a template-based system in collaboration with the framing group. This allowed the off-site production of these structural supports, which were then brought on-site for installation.
The company’s panels fit perfectly onto each support, accelerating the process and reducing costs. The metalwork framers transitioned to creating the structural support behind the wall, enabling them to work off-site and import the sub-frames into the hospital. This method expedited the procedure and provided the hospital with the desired aesthetics and functionality of a remarkable headwall system.
PSI’s vision is to enrich lives by enhancing the environment where people live, learn, heal, work and play. As it continues to push the boundaries of possibilities in wall paneling, PSI remains committed to improving spaces that are unique, functional, and impressive.
