Engineering acoustic performance for the way people work

Space conditions inform acoustic design

Good acoustic planning starts with a clear understanding of the space. Whether you’re relocating or working with an existing office, the first step is to assess the building to understand where intervention may be needed. This forms a key part of technical due diligence, helping to identify acoustic issues early, before design decisions are made.

Factors to review include:

• Ceiling height & services voids: Can treatments and systems be integrated effectively?
• Structural layout: Does the grid support efficient zoning?
• Core location & floorplate depth: How do they affect flow and noise control?
• Natural light & glazing: What’s the impact on comfort and planning?
• Noise context: Are there external or mechanical sources to mitigate?

A baseline assessment of the building’s existing acoustic conditions shows where improvements are needed and which strategies will have the most impact. These findings provide a solid foundation for a design that delivers reliable performance in everyday use.

How test fits shape acoustic strategy

We use test fits to explore how people might work in a space before committing to a final design. They offer enough spatial detail to uncover acoustic risks and opportunities by analysing:

• Spatial relationships: Mapping noisy and quiet functions to flag potential sound conflicts early
• Zoning & flow: Understand how people and sound move through the space to plan transitions and reduce noise spill
• Ceiling & services integration: Factoring in ceiling heights, voids and core locations to plan where acoustic treatments can go
• Predictive performance: Overlaying acoustic modelling (such as reverberation and noise paths) before anything is built

These early explorations will help reduce issues later and support the design of an effective acoustic environment.

How building norms shape acoustic outcomes

Acoustic strategy must respond to both physical and cultural context. What works in one location may not work in another. Regional differences in design trends, construction methods and regulations all affect how sound behaves and what makes sense.

Common patterns include:

• Europe: Older buildings often have uneven floorplates, masonry walls and limited layout flexibility. Acoustic solutions tend to rely on suspended treatments, layered finishes and localised zoning.
• Asia: High-rise towers often have tight slab-to-slab heights and post-tensioned slabs, limiting ceiling voids. Acoustic treatments need to be compact and integrated with the services.
• North America: Generous ceiling heights offer acoustic flexibility, but exposed services and open-plan layouts call for masking, zoning and active control of ambient noise.
• Middle East: New builds offer scale and clean aesthetics, with large volumes and reflective materials. Despite modern MEP systems, early acoustic planning is key to managing reverberation.

Every building is different, but these examples show why acoustic strategies can’t be copied across locations. Consistency across a global portfolio comes from applying shared performance goals, then tailoring the approach to suit each site.

Designing acoustics around real-world use

Acoustic strategy should be shaped by how a space is used, what happens there, how often and at what intensity. Each area has different performance needs, so solutions must respond to how the space is actually used.

Considerations include:

• Open plan: May need sound masking if background noise is too low for speech privacy. Design depends on headcount, workstyle and available ceiling or HVAC space.
• Social zones: Create high noise levels so should be separated from quiet areas using sound-absorbing materials, diffusers and clear spatial boundaries.
• Focus rooms: Need high sound insulation (STC-rated walls), quiet ventilation systems (NC 25–30) and placement away from busy areas to reduce disturbance.
• Phone booths: Must be fully enclosed with sealed doors, insulated walls and separate ventilation. Poor acoustic isolation can lead to sound leaking out or in, especially in busy environments.
• Boardrooms: Should support clear speech and low reverberation. Treatments should be planned for AV integration, including video conferencing and hybrid collaboration.

The goal is to give each setting the acoustic conditions it needs to perform effectively.

Why engineering must lead acoustic strategy

Consistent acoustic performance comes from careful engineering. Get it right from the start by embedding acoustic goals into the design and delivery process and carrying them through architecture, engineering and construction teams.

To do so, acoustic strategy must:

• Start early: Assess the space before design is final to identify risks and opportunities
• Set clear goals: Define measurable outcomes linked to how the space will be used
• Be integrated: Align architecture, interiors and MEP from day one
• Respond to reality: Tailor solutions to building constraints, workstyles and regional norms

When acoustic goals guide design from the start, spaces feel natural to use and people respond instinctively have better focus, easier communication and greater comfort.

Ready to strengthen acoustic performance in your workplace? Get in touch to discuss how we can support your goals with engineering-led solutions.