Modular architectural wall system

A method of constructing a modular, lightweight, non-load bearing, space-dividing architectural wall system in an opening defined by one or more studs of an interior wall, the method comprising:

• partially building an interior wall with one or more studs, wherein the one or more studs define an opening;
• securing one or more modular panels within the opening defined by the one or more studs, each modular panel including at least a three sided extruded metal perimeter frame having a cross-section including
• a rectangular tubular portion configured to be secured to the one or more studs and having a width sized to match the width of the one or more studs;
• and
• a pair of opposed sheet rock accommodating brackets extending beyond the width of the rectangular tubular portion, the pair of opposed sheet rock accommodating brackets each defining a channel;
• and
• adhering one or more panels of sheet rock to the one or more studs of the interior wall, such that the one or more modular panels are at least partially surrounded by the one or more panels of sheet rock, wherein an edge of at least one of the one or more at least partially surrounding panels of sheet rock is received within the channel defined by the sheet rock accommodating brackets, thereby interlocking the perimeter frame with the at least partially surrounding panels of sheet rock to further secure the perimeter frame to the interior wall and to provide a finished appearance to the opening.