ROOM ACOUSTICS
Room Acoustics is about the way a space sounds. The way a space sounds is dependent on its size, shape, and construction materials. Spaces of different sizes and functions require vastly different acoustical environments. Careful attention must be given to design in order to promote useful early sound reflections and to mitigate harmful late reflections.

SOUND ISOLATION
Sound isolation between spaces must start at the very early planning stages of a facility. Critical listening spaces such as auditoriums, churches, boardrooms, music practice spaces, etc. should have buffers, such as corridors or storage spaces around them. It is important to understand the acoustic source, the transmission path (partition), and the environment in the adjacent spaces. Careful attention to construction materials and detailing is crucial to achieving appropriate sound isolation.

MECHANICAL NOISE CONTROL
Air handling equipment, pumps, generators, and chillers are all common components of buildings that need to be considered in the very early stages of design, so that appropriate sound attenuation measures can be designed and implemented. In musical and theatrical performances, the silent spaces around the words or music are as important as the sound itself. Mechanical background noise must always be kept to appropriate levels through careful analysis and recommendations during design.

ENVIRONMENTAL NOISE
Many architectural projects include noise-making HVAC equipment that is located outside the building. While this may be a problem inside the building, it can be equally as much a problem for the neighbors. Thoughtful placement of noisy equipment, in addition to careful analysis is required to control exterior mechanical noise to appropriate levels.