Services
Architectural Acoustics
Architectural acoustics covers two things: sound isolation, which limits sound transfer between spaces, and sound quality, which shapes how sound behaves inside a space.
Isolation starts with the noise source and the needs of the receiving room. We select assemblies that perform across the frequency range and review the details that support them, since a weak detail can undo a good assembly. Sound quality is set mainly by reverberation time (RT60): short for speech in a conference room, longer for music.
- Space planning
- Floor plan and detail reviews
- Development of design criteria
- 3D room modeling and contours
- 3D ray tracing and analysis
- Acoustic BIM
- WELL, LEED and BREEAM compliance testing and performance verification
- Construction administration and commissioning
- Sound transmission measurements
- Floor impact insulation measurements
- Sound quality measurements
Building Systems Noise and Vibration
Fans, motors, pumps and compressors are among the main noise sources in any building, and the largest equipment often sits on the roof above the most sensitive spaces. Once their noise and vibration enter the structure, they are hard to remove.
Control costs least during design. We review equipment schedules and layouts so the measures needed are in the drawings before construction starts.
- Ductborne, structureborne and airborne noise review
- 3D environmental noise modeling
- Indoor equipment evaluation
- Plant room noise control
- Vibration isolation specifications
- Plumbing systems
- Electrical systems
- Outdoor equipment evaluation
Vibration Analysis and Control
Some projects need a detailed vibration study: a rooftop helipad above patient rooms, a railway beside housing, a subway under a restaurant, or footfall and HVAC vibration near research labs.
We measure existing conditions and build FEA models of the structure to predict vibration where it matters. The models set the isolation needed to meet design goals and let us test options quickly with the structural engineer.
- Floor vibration analysis
- Structural vibration
- Modal analysis
- Transit and railway vibration
- Helipad vibration
- Vibration monitoring
Environmental Noise
Environmental noise works in two directions: noise from a project reaching its neighbors, and noise from the surroundings reaching the project. Many codes require an assessment showing that a project and its equipment meet local ordinances.
For complex sites we build 3D noise models of traffic, rail, aircraft and wind turbines, including predicted future traffic levels.
- 3D facade noise mapping
- Environmental noise contours
- Site planning assistance
- Environmental impact assessments
- Sound insulation programming
- NEPA environmental impact statements
- Construction noise measurements and modeling
- FAA Part 150 studies
- AICUZ noise studies
- Aircraft, railway and traffic noise modeling
- Wind turbine evaluation
Every recommendation is independent of any product or manufacturer.
Most problems can be solved with standard, non-proprietary building materials, so that is always our first approach. It keeps cost down while maintaining performance.
About the firm
Audio/Video Design
We design, integrate and commission audio and video systems for meeting rooms, auditoriums, broadcast, multimedia and live events.
The work runs from system planning and equipment specification through cabling, integration with the building, installation review and commissioning. Systems are laid out with room to grow.
- A/V system planning and layout
- Control systems and asset management
- Sound system equalization and check
- Mass notification and communication systems
- Functional diagrams
- A/V monitoring and distribution
- Broadcast and video conferencing
- Performing arts sound reinforcement
Test and Measurement
Measurement confirms what design and prediction set out to achieve. We test to verify performance for codes, condominium CC&Rs and HOA agreements, and WELL and LEED acoustic credits.
Testing also finds problems. With real-time spectrum analysis and acoustic cameras we locate noise sources, sound leaks and structure-borne vibration paths. Tests follow ISO and ASTM standards.
- Acoustic audits
- Sound insulation (ISO and ASTM)
- Floor impact sound insulation
- Vibration
- Sound absorption (ISO and ASTM)
- Exterior noise monitoring
- Noise source investigations
- Reverberation time
- Speech privacy and articulation index
- OSHA noise exposure and dosimetry
- Outdoor and indoor sound transmission
- Noise rating and criteria (NR and NC)
- ISO 23351-1 testing of phone booths
Commissioning
Good design still has to be built correctly. Early in construction we walk the contractor and trades through the intent of acoustic partitions and vibration isolation.
During construction we inspect installations against the drawings and test performance. When a test shows a problem, we find the cause and the fix.
- Construction drawing review
- Design detail assessment
- Materials evaluation
- Monitoring of material installations
- Framing installation inspection
- MEP isolation inspection and verification
- Joint and caulking implementation
- Penetration details
- Material installation inspections
- Acoustic and noise audits and measurements
- Sound leak tests
- Site-wide noise mapping
- Commissioning reports
- Testing and measurements
Forensic Acoustics
We provide independent forensic acoustic analysis and expert witness services: field measurement, written expert reports for litigation or arbitration, and deposition and trial testimony.
We also carry out peer reviews of acoustic designs, studies and reports prepared by other consultants, for owners, developers and design teams who want an independent check.
Existing installations can be reviewed as well, such as wireless and telecommunications facilities that must meet code noise limits.
- Peer reviews of acoustic designs and reports
- Forensic field measurement
- Written expert reports
- Deposition and trial testimony
- Noise source investigations