Acoustics are often overlooked during office fit-outs, yet poor sound control can lead to noise distractions, reduced productivity, and employee dissatisfaction. A well-designed acoustic environment supports focus, collaboration, and comfort. Unfortunately, many projects make the same errors that compromise workplace performance, as Colin Rawlings of MIoA explains.
Here are the five most common acoustic mistakes in office fit-outs and practical solutions to address them.
1. Managing Noise in Open-Plan Offices
Open-plan layouts encourage collaboration but also create significant acoustic challenges. Without proper planning, conversations and background noise can quickly become overwhelming, making it hard for employees to concentrate. This issue is one of the most frequent complaints in modern workplaces.
Solution: Integrate acoustic panels, ceiling baffles, and sound-absorbing screens. Zoning areas for quiet work and collaborative tasks helps maintain speech privacy and reduce distractions. Acoustic design for office fit-outs should always include noise control strategies tailored to open-plan environments.
2. Failing to Control Reverberation in Large Spaces
Reverberation occurs when sound reflects off hard surfaces, creating echoes that make speech difficult to understand. Large spaces with high ceilings and minimal soft furnishings are particularly prone to this issue, which can lead to fatigue and poor communication.
Solution: Install acoustic wall panels, suspended ceiling treatments, and soft furnishings to absorb sound. Professional reverberation control consultancy ensures the right balance for speech clarity and comfort, preventing the need for costly retrofits later.
3. Using Materials That Amplify Sound
Glass partitions, concrete floors, and exposed ceilings may look stylish, but they amplify sound rather than absorb it. This can create a harsh acoustic environment that affects productivity and well-being.
Solution: Choose finishes with acoustic properties. Carpets, curtains, and acoustic panels can be integrated without compromising design aesthetics. Acoustic consultancy for interior designers ensures material choices support both visual appeal and acoustic performance.
4. Acoustic Privacy in Meeting Rooms
Meeting rooms and phone booths often lack adequate sound isolation, resulting in confidential conversations being overheard. This not only affects privacy but also creates distractions for others nearby.
Solution: Fit acoustic seals on doors, use partitions, take particular care at the junctions of windows and pillars, and plan for acoustic insulation during the design stage. Speech privacy in offices is essential for compliance and comfort, and early planning avoids expensive fixes down the line.
5. Missing out Acoustic Consultancy in the Design Process
Many office fit-outs focus on visual appeal and functionality, leaving acoustics as an afterthought. This can lead to costly retrofits and ongoing complaints from staff.
Solution: Engage an acoustic consultant early in the design process. At Acoustics By Design, we provide tailored solutions for office acoustic design, ensuring your workspace meets both aesthetic and performance goals.
The Importance of Acoustic Design
Good acoustic design does more than reduce noise. It creates a workspace where people can focus, collaborate, and feel comfortable. Poor acoustics can lead to stress and reduced productivity, while a well-planned strategy enhances communication and well-being.
Ready to improve your office acoustics? Acoustics By Design offers expert consultancy for noise control, reverberation management, and bespoke solutions tailored to your project.
About the author
Colin Rawlings, MIoA – MD of Acoustics by Design
A qualified acoustician with over two decades of experience, Colin specialises in workplace acoustic solutions across the UK and Europe, delivering consultancy, CPDs, and seminars, making complex acoustic challenges simple for architects, designers, and businesses.