More than a small business.
Empowering optimization through tailored solutions.
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We make it enjoyable.
Dedicated to turning ideas into innovation.
Many markets for many types of clients.
Repeat clients are the bedrock of sustainable business growth. Our clients have trusted our services by returning time and again.
We coined Game changer in building systems TM because of our solid commitment to your building’s potential. Founded in 1986, Paladin is a woman-owned business that built upon engineering roots to deliver strategic commissioning, sustainability, and direct-to-owner engineering consulting services for new and existing facilities.
To show unwavering commitment to you and your project from day one through closeout.
To recognize key drivers for the project and measure to them.
To deliver a complete, efficient project using a strategic blend of talent and resources.
Steer successful outcomes by serving building stewards.
Paladin team members are coached on our cultural values when hired. These values impact everyday interactions and project outcomes.
We work with people we like, doing something we love. This fire in the belly creates action that snowballs into impact.
We have kindness, gratitude, and appreciation for those who work with and around us. We laugh and tell Dad jokes, inviting all into our camaraderie. We care deeply about our people and show them respect.
We represent the truth with facts and integrity.
We don’t have superstars, we have exceptional people who use their talents to better the industry and those around them. We show grace with others in their mistakes and acknowledge our own limitations.
We are willing to say things that need to be said. We uncover the causes behind the symptoms to help solve issues.
We persevere over the long-term. We make that last mile count and cross the finish line puffing, “I knew I could, I knew I could.”
Candice B. Rogers MBA, CCP, CxA, WELL AP, LEED AP BD+C President
Candice advises on projects ranging from residence halls to manufacturing facilities. “The key to successful implementation of commissioning is understanding the business needs behind the building and developing strategies that support those needs.”
Burks CxA, BECxP, CxA+BE, CAPM Vice President | Building Enclosure Lead
David brings expertise in commissioning, enclosure field testing, data gathering and analysis, reporting, and testing equipment, maintaining regular correspondence with owner representatives.
Kelsey Leslie PE, CCP Vice President | Commissioning Lead
Kelsey manages intricate HVAC systems and diverse BAS control platforms for educational, governmental, and healthcare facilities. She is on the committee for writing the new ASHE (American Society of Healthcare Engineers) Commissioning Handbook.
Mark Zoller PE, CxA, CEM Vice President | Engineering Lead
Mark takes complex concepts and explains them clearly. He uses this skill to improve issues resolution in a way that is clearly understood by all invested parties.
Weeks LEED Fellow, AIA, SITES AP, WELL AP, LFA, Fitwel Director of Green Building Certification
Erica is dedicated to lessening the built environment’s impact, while elevating the human experience and exceeding financial expectations. She is a consummate problem-solver, who approaches every challenge with creativity. So far, she has certified over 145 buildings in 18 states.
A Triple Bottom Line analysis of the 11 credits pursued revealed that a $540,000 additional investment in sustainable design and construction strategies returned over $988,000 in benefits to stakeholders.
36.9% annual water use reduction
13.4% energy cost savings
Comprised of diverse talents and driven minds, we are a collective force dedicated to crafting solutions that transcend challenges. With a shared commitment to excellence and collaboration, we harness individual strengths to deliver impactful results.
Rachel Norton brings extensive experience in energy efficiency as a certified energy manager. Her background in energy management offers valuable insights to achieve a building’s optimization goals.
Morgan is an accomplished energy researcher with expertise in ASHRAE Level Audits. Her diverse skill set and hands-on experience make her a valuable asset to any project.
Rhodes is a Certified Commissioning Authority who supports functional testing, field verification, and system troubleshooting across a wide range of building projects. As a commissioning professional, he helps ensure that systems operate as intended from installation through occupancy
Davis’s background as a master plumber, journeyman, and maintenance supervisor provides an operator’s perspective to building systems. He diagnoses equipment failures and offers functional, operable solutions.
Grounded in technical expertise and united by purpose, our engineering team brings precision, curiosity, and problem-solving to every project. We collaborate across disciplines to turn complex ideas into practical solutions that support lasting performance.
Dick’s extensive background in the technical requirements of mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and control systems operation, combined with his familiarity with existing buildings, enables him to develop cost-effective operational improvements tailored to the unique needs of each project
Dave conducts field observations, implements construction checklists, and facilitates test verifications. His hands-on approach enhances identifying and resolving early-stage coordination and O&M issues.
Scott plays a key role in transforming concepts into detailed designs, helping drive our projects forward. Their technical expertise and attention to detail ensure constructible, efficient, and coordinated solutions.
Commissioning used to focus solely on energy savings. Now, it plays a crucial role in ensuring the successful operation of systems in both new and existing buildings. We understand the intricacies of building systems, from building envelopes to electrical systems, and we know how to maintain their functionality for the lifespan. Our process involves architects, engineers, owners, contractors, building managers, and maintenance teams to identify and resolve issues affecting occupant safety, experience, and overall building performance. Paladin provides a range of commissioning services for:
Even with clearly stated expectations for your new building systems, proper function is never guaranteed. Paladin helps ensure the correct installation and operation of systems of all sizes.
• MEP Systems Commissioning
• Building Enclosure Commissioning
• Building Automation Systems Commissioning
• Renewable Systems
Priorities range from carbon reduction and energy performance to operational stability, risk reduction, and operating cost containment. Our capabilities extend to your entire built environment to thoroughly address issues preventing you from reaching these goals.
HVAC, lighting, and other systems change over time. Ongoing commissioning ensures these systems are regularly reviewed to keep them in check. Paladin starts with a deep dive into your project and current facility requirements. We can also perform some ongoing commissioning steps remotely through metering and utility data.
Your building relies on complex, interconnected systems to function properly. If any component fails, it can reduce the building’s quality and lifespan.
Our streamlined design and implementation processes enable us to work directly with you, focusing on your business goals and enhancing the likelihood of achieving them. Since 1986, we’ve been a Game changer in building systemsTM optimizing operational systems to unlock building potential.
Our engineering services cover everything from managing current inventory to meeting energy goals, cutting emissions, and planning maintenance. Our process begins with an understanding of your goals and carefully studying the project. Then, we offer tailored recommendations and guide you through any implementation challenges. Whether it’s phasing out old equipment or planning upgrades, we forge partnerships to ensure seamless execution and maximum outcomes.
Our goal is to strike a balance between sustainability and financial feasibility.
With decades of experience, our engineers specialize in custom upgrades and retrofitting. We handle everything from small commercial spaces to large industrial campuses.
Modern building requirements are more varied as the industry leans towards greater dependence on advanced building automation systems. Our BAS design is grounded in a thorough understanding of these systems and their evolving technologies.
Paladin knows the crucial role buildings play in shaping a sustainable future. Our team partners with you to optimize building performance, reduce environmental impact, and maximize energy efficiency. Whether navigating LEED certification, implementing renewable energy solutions, or ensuring compliance with green building standards, Paladin delivers innovative and cost-effective strategies that align with your goals.
Our certification consulting aims to simplify complex sustainability challenges for building owners. From project inception throughout the building’s life, we engage in a collaborative process to brainstorm strategies that fit your goals and budgets and identify ways to reduce your building’s environmental impact.
• Green Globes
• LEED
• WELL
• Fitwel
• SITES
• Energy Star
• LEED for Existing Buildings
Our planning solutions integrate sustainability targets with your specific goals, budgets, and timelines, and balances environmental, social, and economic factors to promote long-term viability.
• Sustainability Analysis
• Energy Modeling
• Operational Policy Development
• Portfolio Assessment
• Construction Support
Our Indoor Air Quality testing plays a key role in meeting the requirements of green building certifications like LEED, WELL, and Fitwel. Whether pursuing certification or simply wanting to verify indoor air prior to occupancy, our testing helps you keep your project on track, your buildings healthy, and your occupants safe.
Our testing services include:
• On-site air sampling by trained professionals.
• Analysis by accredited laboratories.
• Contaminants such as:
• Formaldehyde
• Particulates (PM10) & (PM2.5)
• Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOCs)
• Carbon Monoxide
• Carbon Dioxide
• Ozone
• Documentation aligned with green building submission requirements.
Additional contractor services are available through Paladin DTS, our sister organization.
In perfect alignment with a building owner’s strategic vision and objectives, Paladin DTS seamlessly integrates the creative concepts of designers with the expert craftsmanship of contractors, optimizing building value and profitability.
Harnessing the latest technology and a steadfast commitment to collaboration and timely delivery, we empower our A/E/C partners to minimize rework and maintain high field quality standards. From managing BIM teams and executing clash detection protocols to identifying vulnerabilities in weather barriers, we offer technical clarity that informs cost-effective and swift decision-making.
Our comprehensive engineering services drive projects and initiatives forward, supported by a team of skilled professionals with expertise in a wide array of advanced technical systems including:
• Building Information Modeling (BIM)
• 3D Coordination Drawings
• Building Information Management
• 3D Scanning
• MEP and Building Envelope Testing
• Water Intrusion Testing
• Whole Building Air Tightness Testing (Paladin’s David Burks is one of Kentucky’s two ABAA-certified Air Barrier Auditors)
Paladin specializes in making buildings work better while being kind to the environment. Our commissioning, direct-to-owner engineering solutions, and sustainability consulting services can help boost a building’s value, optimize occupant comfort, cut down on costs, and make the world a little greener.
From commercial office buildings to healthcare and industrial facilities, educational campuses to municipal infrastructure, our portfolio reflects an unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability.
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY
Commissioning LEED Administration
As the largest academic building in UK’s history, the 500,000 S.F. Michael D. Rankin MD Health Education Building will house the colleges of Medicine, Public Health, Health Sciences, Nursing, and the Center for Interprofessional and Community Health Education.
Paladin is guiding all commissioning services as well as LEED certification, ensuring sustainable and environmentally responsible practices are well integrated in the project, which is pursuing LEED Silver certification
Appalachian Regional Healthcare
Hazard, KY
Commissioning
Appalachian Regional Healthcare upgraded 20,000 S.F. of Operation Room and supporting clinical, storage, and mechanical spaces. The mechanical improvements for the project included air handling units served by existing hot water and chilled water systems. The terminal unit distribution included both standard and Venturi variable air volume boxes. The cooling systems were upgraded with DX condensing units for backup cooling operation and a new clean steam generator was added for humidification to the operating theaters. Paladin supported the Owner’s priorities including phased turnover, infection control risk assessment and mitigation, and enterprise building automation system integration.
Driven by patient and staff experiences in UK’s various ICUs during the COVID-19 pandemic, the 12th floor of UK Chandler Hospital is the new home to UK’s medical and cardiovascular ICU and includes a number of modifications and upgrades.
Paladin provided commissioning services for the new space that features 64 ICU rooms, all with negative pressure capability, built-in tubing access ports to enable flexibility with IVs and monitors, and can be doubled to handle an influx of patients. Eight rooms have built-in antechambers to allow both a positiveand negative-pressure environment for immunocompromised patients. The floor also houses a Serious Communicable Disease Lab, which allows for quicker blood and tissue testing.
Mount Vernon, KY
Rockcastle Regional Hospital and Respiratory Care Center is a regional hospital serving Rockcastle and the surrounding counties since 1956. In 2019, they entered a partnership with University of Kentucky to support ventilator-dependent patients. In addition to respiratory support, Rockcastle offers acute-care and outpatient surgery and services.
During the course of Rockcastle’s last large expansion project, Paladin served as controls system engineer and integrator to centralize the hospital’s controls systems onto a single platform - Tridium Niagara. Since that time, and especially during COVID, Paladin has supported the hospital staff in managing facilities and ensuring that all systems remain on-line and in compliance with performance requirements.
Since 2009, Paladin has provided engineering, operational support, and controls integration to the hospital. A synopsis of the work completed includes:
Outpatient Clinic - New Construction: Procedure and support spaces
Third Floor Fit-up Family Health Building: Medical offices
East B Expansion Project:
42 bed addition for ventilator dependent patients, med gas infrastructure, CUP infrastructure, nurses stations, laundry, kitchen, and administrative offices.
West Expansion Project:
New Operating Rooms and support, four Intensive Care Units, post operative care, two Isolation Rooms, and two Specialized Care Rooms, nurses stations and support spaces.
East A Expansion Project:
Dayroom expansion and patient rooms
Remote laundry facility
Upgraded electrical distribution system in existing hospital
Paladin has been Berea’s exclusive commissioning and LEED administration provider for over a decade.
Berea College
Berea, KY Commissioning
The 133,000 S.F. Margaret A. Cargill Natural Sciences and Health Building is a state-of-the-art instructional facility with advanced science laboratories, nursing laboratories, interactive learning spaces, collaborative spaces, and planetarium. The building envelope system required special attention for its role in humidity control. Paladin commissioned all building, lab, and process systems.
NexCore Group
London, KY Commissioning (New Construction)
This two-story, 60,000 S.F. project is one of two medical office buildings that Paladin has commissioned for CHI. The facility consolidates physicians and staff into one facility, maximizes efficiency, and expands services. We focused on field observation, functional test verification, and issue resolution, which revealed discrepancies between the engineer’s sequences and the equipment’s delivery. Paladin facilitated discussions among owner and contractors that led to balanced performance and cost solutions.
The commissioning of this 60,000 S.F. medical office building focused on field observation, functional test verification, and issue resolution. The VAV mechanical systems relied on manufacturer’s control sequences, challenging the controls contractor. Our commissioning revealed discrepancies between the engineer’s sequences and the equipment’s delivery. Paladin facilitated discussions among the owner and contractors, leading to solutions that balanced performance and cost. The initial schedule planned for testing before substantial completion, but testing during occupancy was required. The project reveals that even seemingly simple systems in non-critical spaces can present significant challenges.
Frankfort, KY
Commonwealth of Kentucky
Direct-to-Owner Engineering
Existing Building Commissioning
Paladin’s first project in 2015 was a solution to large utility bills, mold, and water infiltration. We identified simple repairs, like enabling heat recovery, as well as complicated repairs like notable building pressurization problems that were creating extreme negative pressure. Subsequent projects have included fit-up renovations for an expanding Kentucky State Police Forensic Lab, BSL-3 lab improvements, lab air handling unit replacements, and central utility plant upgrades.
27% energy use reduction
The CHR Complex HVAC Renovation Project included design of energy efficient HVAC improvements totaling 27% per year with a ROI of 5.0% and brought the facility into desired EUI of 80 KBTU/S.F. This project is an occupied renovation with CEMCS connection through Automated Logic Controls.
To solve the problems, Paladin eliminated energy wasters such as over ventilation, complete electronic controls replacement to the patchwork of pneumatic and electronic revisions conversions over the years, and replacement of a maintenance budget-busting steam domestic hot water system with simplified electric type.
This approach extended to the source equipment located in the central utilities plant for creating hydronic hot and chilled water for building space conditioning. Work at the plant included re-piping an existing heat recovery chiller to improve performance and ability to operate and revisions to the steam supply system such that steam may be entirely shut down during warm weather months.
Paladin DTS conducted comprehensive inspections of the building enclosure, focusing on the Drainable EIFS Wall System, thermal insulation along the exterior perimeter, the Modified Bitumen Roof System, its subcomponents, and the Aluminum Storefront Window System. Our report included detailed accounts of site visit activities, observations, concerns, and recommendations, along with discussions with manufacturer representatives when necessary, to ensure the highest standards of construction quality and performance.
Testing glazing assemblies allowed adjustments to occur during construction.
Paladin’s commissioning resulted in $385,250 avoided costs over the life of the building.
Lexington, KY Commissioning
UK’s Center for Applied Energy Laboratory #2 is an energy research building with a living laboratory devoted to renewable energy and energy storage. The 43,000 S.F. lab achieved LEED Gold under LEED-BD&C 2009. Paladin commissioned the MEP, lighting, and controls systems, and also verified third-party turnkey dry lab and Class 6 clean rooms operation.
The research space incorporates labs and testing areas for prototyping, characterization, evaluation and lifecycle testing of new photovoltaic and solar materials. The core of the first floor houses analytical instrumentation for bioenergy and biofuels.
Spaces include:
7 individual research labs
5 environmental rooms
1 Class 6 clean room
1 dry lab with a dedicated air-handling unit for 0.5% relative humidity
55% energy use reduction