An architectural acoustics, or building acoustics consultant, is the specialist who knows soundproofing and noise control in indoor spaces. First, let me explain what soundproofing is. The dictionary definition is: "impervious to sound; to cause to be soundproof". I think this definition is somewhat circular.
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What is soundproofing
To clearly explain the term, I am quoting from Master Handbook of Acoustics, Sixth Edition (2015) by Everest & Pohlmann (McGraw Hill Education), page 321:
“The construction of walls, floors, and ceilings is fundamental to any architectural endeavor. When the space within is acoustically sensitive, those elements take on additional importance. In addition to structural integrity, these partitions must work as sound barriers to isolate the interior space from exterior noise and the exterior from interior sound. To satisfy this acoustical requirement, these structural barriers must be designed and constructed in considerably different ways from typical building specifications.”
All buildings possess a natural degree of resistance to external noise and to the transfer of sound between rooms. However, a residual level of sound transmission is always present. In acoustically sensitive spaces, such as recording studios, offices, or bedrooms, this residual sound may be perceived as unacceptably high.
The engineering and construction practices used to reduce unwanted noise within a room or building are collectively known as soundproofing. This field is a sub-specialty of building acoustics, which itself is a branch of acoustical science concerned with sound behavior in built environments.
Professionals who specialize in this area are known as architectural acoustics consultants, building acoustics consultants, or more specifically, soundproofing consultants. These experts assess acoustic conditions, recommend mitigation strategies, and guide construction or renovation efforts to achieve desired sound control levels.
What an architectural acoustics consultant can do for you?
A building acoustics consultant, an architectural acoustics consultant is a professional engineer or an architect with the specialized knowledge and experience that includes soundproofing. Narrower term is "soundproofing consultant". His job is to execute the abovementioned activities, implementing soundproofing and noise control measures in new building construction or house renovation. He helps homeowners, business people, builders, architects, or general contractors ensure soundproofing is done correctly. A soundproofing renovation company often employs him.
A soundproofing consultant makes it his business to keep current on trends and new developments in soundproofing. He is informed about reference materials and tools published by manufacturers and government agencies, such as the Canadian Construction Materials Centre (CCMC), operated by the National Research Council of Canada.
There is no single, universally accepted title for professionals specializing in building sound control. A soundproofing consultant may also be referred to as a noise-proofing consultant, building acoustics consultant, architectural acoustics consultant, or noise control consultant.
More broadly, such professionals are sometimes called acoustics consultants, acoustic engineers, or acousticians. The term “sound engineer” is occasionally used in this context but is technically incorrect, as it generally refers to professionals involved in audio recording, production, or broadcasting, rather than building acoustics.
These specialists typically work for an acoustics consulting firm or a soundproofing company, providing expertise in assessing, diagnosing, and mitigating unwanted noise and vibration in buildings.
Tasks done by a soundproofing consultant
In a nutshell, building acoustics and soundproofing involves these engineering activities:
- Establishment of acoustical objectives for a building project.
- Determination of specific sound transmission loss requirements for components of the building structure.
- Understanding of acoustical performance of different building assemblies.
- Working with an architect and a structural engineer in designing the elements of building structures that will meet acoustical performance as specified for the project.
- Acoustical tests to ascertain a specific level of performance.
Other elements of architectural acoustics that are usually considered separate from noise-proofing are:
- Designing acoustic treatment for interior spaces in order to meet acoustic requirements for speech communication. Examples: office spaces, restaurants, classrooms, etc.
- Designing performance halls, lecture halls, theatres, etc., to meet specific acoustic objectives for music performance and, in some cases also for speech.
Who needs a an acoustical engineer?
Anyone who desires to construct an acoustically sensitive space, such as:
- A quiet bedroom,
- a home theatre,
- a basement apartment,
- a multi-unit building where neighbours would otherwise disturb each other,
- a psychologist's office,
- an accountant's or lawyer's office,
- a commercial facility in a residential neighbourhood,
- a restaurant,
- a gym,
- and a multitude of other situations.
An acoustical consultant (also known as an acoustical engineer) should be engaged before hiring a renovation or soundproofing contractor. Proper acoustic assessment and design at the outset ensure that the selected materials and construction methods are appropriate for the specific noise issues being addressed.
Attempting to correct deficiencies after the soundproofing work has been completed is often far more costly than doing the job correctly the first time. Early consultation with an acoustical professional helps avoid unnecessary expense and ensures the best achievable sound isolation performance.
An acoustical consultant also assists in identifying and analyzing sources of unwanted noise. This may include sounds generated by a neighbour’s air-conditioning unit, mechanical or ventilation equipment, plumbing systems, or other building services that cause disturbance within a unit or common area.
Through specialized measurements, analysis, and diagnostic techniques, the consultant can determine the source, transmission path, and nature of the noise, and provide technical recommendations for effective mitigation.
In Ontario, an acoustical consultant must be a Professional Engineer registered with Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) and holding a Certificate of Authorization.
Beware of pretend consultants
Some construction or renovation companies claim to specialize in soundproofing. Such claims should be approached with caution. A free contractor’s quote is not a substitute for qualified engineering advice.
In Ontario, it is illegal to offer engineering or consulting services without proper authorization from Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO). Only licensed professionals or firms holding a Certificate of Authorization are permitted to provide engineering assessments, acoustic analyses, or formal design recommendations.
Be equally cautious of contractors who offer to test noise or soundproofing levels. These tests are often inaccurate or meaningless, as contractors typically lack calibrated instruments and do not follow recognized engineering standards for acoustic testing and measurement. Reliable testing should always be performed by a qualified acoustical consultant or engineer using standardized procedures.
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