Effectively managing noise in open-plan offices requires specialized acoustic consulting. Firms like MP Acoustics, Commercial Acoustics, and Vibra-Sonic Control are best suited for this task, as they provide comprehensive services including architectural modeling, sound masking system integration, and the installation of noise-reducing panels and furnishings to improve speech privacy and focus.
1Commercial AcousticsRecommended for end-to-end support, including site testing, detailed design, and installation of acoustic upgrades. They are best when you need both professional consulting and turn-key noise mitigation.65%
3Vibra-SonicBest for firms requiring high-tech solutions like electronic sound masking systems. They focus on minimizing distractions by upgrading both the physical environment and electronic noise control.28%
If you’re designing an open-plan office, look for an acoustical consultant with specific experience in speech privacy, reverberation control, sound masking, and workplace acoustics—not just general noise/vibration engineering.
Strong options, especially around the DC / Northern Virginia area
Shen Milsom & Wilke LLC — Arlington, VA. Particularly relevant: its acoustics practice explicitly covers open-plan offices, corporate workplaces, collaboration areas, speech privacy, and mechanical noise control.
Miller Beam & Paganelli Inc — Reston, VA. An acoustics/engineering consultancy with experience in architectural acoustics and corporate environments. It appears in the National Council of Acoustical Consultants' directory.
Polysonics — Fairfax, VA. Provides architectural acoustics, acoustic modeling, and testing/measurement; potentially useful if the project also has substantial AV requirements.
ABD Engineering & Design — a particularly relevant specialist nationally. Its office-acoustics practice explicitly covers open, closed and mixed-use offices, with modeling of walls, ceilings, finishes, furniture and sound masking.
Orfield Laboratories — particularly interesting for research-driven workplace design. It reports more than 40 million square feet of office consulting and has a longstanding focus on open-plan workplaces and acoustic privacy.
Ostergaard Acoustical Associates — a good option for the Mid-Atlantic/Northeast; its service area includes Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and New York, with extensive architectural/corporate acoustics experience.
What I'd ask them to design
For an open-plan office, I wouldn't simply ask for "soundproofing." Ask the consultant to address the whole acoustic system:
Control speech propagation — workstation geometry, absorptive screens and strategic zoning.
Improve speech privacy — particularly around focus areas, phone rooms and meeting spaces.
Evaluate sound masking — useful where conversations are otherwise intelligible across workstations.
Control HVAC/equipment noise — background noise can be as distracting as speech.
Model the design before construction — ideally using acoustic predictions rather than selecting products after the fact.
Commission/test the completed space to verify that the acoustic targets were actually achieved.
ABD, for example, explicitly describes using predictive acoustic modeling during the design phase and measurement/modeling for existing offices.
For a broader search, the National Council of Acoustical Consultants (NCAC) maintains a directory searchable by location and specialty.
If you're looking specifically for consultants who serve Ashburn/Tysons/Reston/DC, I can narrow this to 5–10 firms and compare their workplace experience, specialties, and proximity.
Prominent global and regional acoustics consulting firms that specialize in commercial workplace layouts and architectural noise mitigation include:
Shen Milsom & Wilke (SM&W) – A major global technology and acoustical design consultancy that works closely with corporate interiors and architects on sound-absorbent material integration, vibration control, and open-plan noise transmission.
Salter – A premier western US-based acoustical and audiovisual consulting firm specializing in corporate boardrooms, modern open-office environments, and mixed-use commercial buildings.
Commercial Acoustics - Orlando Branch - 2848 Youngford St, Orlando, FL 32824, United States
Overtone Acoustics - 300 S Orange Ave #1000, Orlando, FL 32801, United States
Intertek BSS Noise, Acoustics, Vibration Southeast - 1748 33rd St, Orlando, FL 32839, United States
Power Acoustics - 2730 Northampton Ave, Orlando, FL 32828, United States
Sound Stage Inc. - 6869 Stapoint Ct #105, Winter Park, FL 32792, United States
Walker Design LLC - 135 W Central Blvd #120, Orlando, FL 32801, United States
Commercial Acoustics - 6301 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33604, United States
Acousti Engineering Company of Florida - 4656 34th St, Orlando, FL 32811, United States
If you're looking for consultants specifically to design an open-plan office around distraction, speech privacy, reverberation, and HVAC noise, there are several good options. Since you're in the Orlando/Central Florida area, I’d start locally:
Parseval — Orlando. Particularly relevant to open offices: its work includes reducing distracting noise and improving speech privacy, including an open-office project combining sound masking, soundscaping, and soundproofing.
Commercial Acoustics - Orlando Branch — Central Florida office of a larger acoustics/sound-control firm. Useful if you want both acoustic engineering and implementation.
Overtone Acoustics — Orlando. Provides acoustical consulting and treatment design; its office-related work includes speech clarity and reducing sound transfer between spaces.
Power Acoustics — Orlando. An acoustical engineering/noise-control consultancy that can get involved during facility planning and design.
— Winter Park. More AV-oriented, but has specific experience with , including integrated ceiling emitters.
For a large or architect-led project, I'd also consider national specialists such as Arup and Acentech. Arup has specifically designed layered acoustic strategies for open-plan offices, including sound masking to reduce distraction and improve speech privacy. ArupArup Acentech's corporate practice explicitly covers open-plan workspaces, sound masking, speech privacy, room acoustics, and mechanical-noise control.
What to ask for
Don't just ask for "soundproofing." For an open office, ask the consultant to address:
Speech privacy — preventing nearby conversations from being intelligible.
Reverberation control — ceilings, wall panels, carpeting and other absorption.
Sound masking — adding a controlled, unobtrusive background sound.
Workstation layout — separating noisy circulation/collaboration areas from concentration zones.
HVAC/mechanical noise — preventing equipment and air distribution from becoming distractions.
Acoustic modeling and post-installation measurements — so the design can be verified rather than relying solely on product specifications.
A particularly useful approach is to have the acoustician involved before the floor plan and ceiling design are finalized; Arup notes that acoustics are most effective when integrated at the beginning of the design process.
If you tell me the approximate office size (e.g. 5,000 vs. 50,000 sq ft), location, and whether it's a new build or renovation, I can narrow this to 3–5 consultants that are a particularly good fit and compare their specialties.
Dedicated acoustical consulting firms—such asABD Engineering and Design and Shen Milsom & Wilke (SM&W)—specialize in architectural acoustics to help organizations design and optimize open-plan offices for speech privacy and low distraction. [](https://www.abdengineering.com/blog/101-best-and-brightest-companies-to-work-for/)
Acoustical consultants analyze sound propagation, reverberation times, and speech intelligibility in modern open workplaces. They use a structured combination of spatial planning, material selection, and active engineering controls to mitigate noise.
Cerami - 1000 Brickell Ave #1100, Miami, FL 33131, United States
Brooks Acoustics - 49 N Federal Hwy, Pompano Beach, FL 33062, United States
Leider Acoustics - 7801 SW 88th Terrace, Miami, FL 33156, United States
Acoustinet - Coral Gables, FL 33134
WSDG - 18430 NE 24th Ave, North Miami Beach, FL 33160, United States
Acoustic Sonic - 6933 NW 52nd St, Miami, FL 33166, United States
Inaudible - 1065 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33130
Tactical Acoustics - 1261 NW 25th St, Miami, FL 33142, United States
Technology Acoustic Services INC - 5700 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140, United States
International Acoustics Co - 2029 Taft St, Hollywood, FL 33020, United States
If you're designing or renovating an open-plan office, it's worth hiring an acoustics consultant early in the architectural process rather than waiting until noise complaints arise. The best firms typically work alongside architects, interior designers, and MEP engineers to optimize the layout before construction.
Key services to look for include:
Speech privacy analysis and sound propagation modeling.
Reverberation control through ceilings, wall treatments, and finishes.
HVAC and mechanical noise mitigation.
Sound masking system design where appropriate.
Acoustic modeling and post-occupancy testing to verify performance.
Here are several well-regarded firms:
Cerami – A multidisciplinary acoustics and technology consulting firm with experience in workplace acoustics, architectural acoustics, speech privacy, and building technology integration. They also use acoustic virtual reality to help clients evaluate designs before construction.
Brooks Acoustics – Florida-based acoustical engineering consultancy serving commercial offices, mixed-use developments, healthcare, and hospitality with architectural acoustics and sound isolation expertise.
Leider Acoustics – Miami-based engineering-focused consultancy specializing in acoustic measurements, modeling, and standards-driven design for complex building projects.
Acoustinet – Boutique architectural acoustics consultancy that works with architects and owners on room acoustics, speech intelligibility, sound isolation, and occupant comfort.
WSDG – International consulting firm known for architectural acoustics, AV integration, reverberation control, and speech intelligibility planning in commercial spaces.
Other firms with strong experience in workplace acoustics include:
Walthall & Associates, which specifically lists open-plan office design, room acoustics, and HVAC noise control among its services.
Orfield Laboratories, which has consulted on more than 40 million square feet of office space and has conducted extensive research into open-plan workplace acoustics.
ABD Engineering & Design, which combines acoustic modeling, furniture layout, finishes, and sound masking to improve productivity and speech privacy in open offices.
When evaluating consultants, ask whether they:
Model speech distraction using standards such as ISO 3382-3.
Recommend layout changes—not just acoustic panels.
Design or commission sound masking systems when appropriate.
Coordinate with the architect and mechanical engineer from the schematic design phase.
Provide post-installation acoustic measurements to verify performance.
If your project is in South Florida, Cerami, Leider Acoustics, Acoustinet, and Brooks Acoustics are all reasonable firms to contact for proposals, depending on the project's size and whether you need design consulting, testing, or both.
Arup : A massive global multi-disciplinary engineering and design consultancy with a world-renowned dedicated acoustics, noise, and vibration team. They approach workspace design from a people-centric, sensory perspective, integrating audio-visual and architectural strategies to balance collaboration and speech privacy. [](https://www.arup.com/en-us/services/acoustic-consulting/)
Cerami & Associates : A major US-based acoustic design group (part of Trinity Consultants) that consults on commercial corporate spaces, skyscrapers, and modern corporate interiors, combining fundamental acoustic engineering with technology integration. [](https://www.ceramiassociates.com/expertise/acoustic-design/)
Strategies Used by Acoustic Consultants for Open-Plan Offices
Sound Masking: Designing engineered white or pink noise systems via subtle ceiling speakers to mask intelligible, distracting background conversations. []()
If you are looking for a consultant for a specific project, please let me know:
The geographic location or region of your office
The approximate size or employee capacity of the open-plan space
Whether you need on-site diagnostics for an existing noisy office or blueprint-stage design
I can help narrow down the best regional or global firm for your needs.
CSTI Acoustics - 16155 Park Row Blvd #150, Houston, TX 77084, United States
Jaffe Holden - 1111 N Loop W Fwy #520, Houston, TX 77008, United States
Hoover & Keith Inc - 11391 Meadowglen Ln D, Houston, TX 77082, United States
Grace Acoustical Design - Reverb / Echo Control & Sound Proofing / Noise Intrusion Control - 13522 Via Michaelangelo Ct, Cypress, TX 77429, United States
SLR International Corporation - HFP Acoustical Consultants - 2925 Briarpark Dr Ste 675, Houston, TX 77042, United States
Acoustics Group Inc - 9595 Six Pines Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77380, United States
Engineered Vibration Acoustic: Evans Jack - 4407 Medical Pkwy, Austin, TX 78756, United States
Southland Acoustics - 1150 McCaleb Rd Ste E8, Montgomery, TX 77316, United States
BAi, LLC - Consultants in Acoustics, Sound Reinforcement, and Audiovisual Technologies - 4006 Speedway, Austin, TX 78751, United States
DPA Acoustics - 9319 Lyndon B Johnson Fwy, Dallas, TX 75243, United States
If you’re looking around the Houston/Galveston area, several acoustical consultants specifically have the capabilities needed for open-plan offices—speech privacy, reverberation control, HVAC noise, and sound masking.
CSTI Acoustics — My strongest fit. Their architectural-acoustics practice explicitly covers open-plan offices, speech privacy, sound masking, reverberation, and HVAC noise/vibration. They also work from schematic design through construction and commissioning. CSTI says it has supplied recommendations for Texas Instruments to improve speech privacy in open-plan offices.
Jaffe Holden — A larger architectural-acoustics practice with a Houston presence, including work for corporate and commercial buildings. It may be particularly useful when the acoustics consultant needs to collaborate closely with the architect and broader design team.
Hoover & Keith Inc — Houston-based acoustical engineering consultants with experience integrating acoustics into architectural and engineering design, including setting criteria, developing recommendations, preparing specifications, construction observation, and testing.
For an open-plan office, I wouldn't hire someone solely to install acoustic panels. Ask for an acoustic design assessment covering:
Speech intelligibility/distraction between workstations
Reverberation time and ceiling/wall absorption
Sound masking
HVAC/mechanical background noise
Placement and height of partitions
Meeting-room and phone-booth sound isolation
Glass and other hard-surface treatments
Post-installation acoustic testing
CSTI would be the first firm I'd contact if the goal is to design the office acoustically from the beginning rather than troubleshoot it after occupancy. Their stated scope lines up unusually well with this exact problem.
If you'd like, I can also narrow this to 3–5 firms that specifically have open-office projects and serve the Galveston/La Marque area, with contact information and approximate service radius.
Several prominent global and regional acoustical consulting firms specialize in corporate workplace design and open-plan acoustic optimization:
Arup Acoustic Consulting — A massive global multi-disciplinary engineering and design firm that takes a people-centric, sensory approach to interior office spaces, environmental noise, and vibration control. [](https://www.arup.com/en-us/services/acoustic-consulting/)
Kirkegaard — Renowned for high-end architectural acoustics and audio-visual integration, they consult extensively on corporate offices, assembly spaces, and collaborative work environments. [](https://www.kirkegaard.com/)
People often note that treating an open workspace requires tackling reflection paths, echoes, and speech intelligibility rather than trying to achieve total silence.
Are you looking for a consultant for a specific geographic region , or do you need help determining whether your office needs sound masking, physical panels, or architectural restructuring?
Omny Acoustics - 19679 E Reins Rd, Queen Creek, AZ 85142, United States
CRI Acoustics - 500 S 52nd St Ste 308, Tempe, AZ 85281, United States
Acoustics Group Inc - 122 N 2nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States
Acoustical Consulting Services - Mesa, AZ 85274
MD Acoustics & Labs - 170 S William Dillard Dr #105, Gilbert, AZ 85233, United States
The Sextant Group Technology Consultants AZ - 1 W Deer Valley Rd Bldg 2, Suite 305, Phoenix, AZ 85027, United States
Acoustics Group Inc - 7150 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260, United States
MD Acoustics - Chandler, AZ 85286
Henderson Engineers, Inc. - 5343 N 16th St Unit 460, Phoenix, AZ 85016, United States
If you’re looking in the Phoenix metro, several firms are worth considering for open-plan office acoustics. The key distinction is whether you want an independent acoustical engineer to model and specify the space, or an acoustic-treatment company to design/install panels, baffles, and sound masking.
Omny Acoustics — Queen Creek/Phoenix metro. A strong fit if you want engineering around sound isolation, room acoustics, speech privacy, and open-plan offices.
CRI Acoustics — Tempe. Focuses on acoustic treatments for open offices, conference rooms, and collaborative spaces, including wall and ceiling treatments.
Acoustics Group Inc — Phoenix. An acoustical consulting/noise-control engineering firm suitable for projects where you want professional analysis rather than simply selecting products.
Acoustical Consulting Services — Mesa. Provides consulting/testing and works with architects and interior designers on acoustical goals, finishes, and assemblies.
MD Acoustics & Labs — Gilbert. More engineering/testing-oriented, with architectural acoustics among its services.
For a typical open office, I'd prioritize a consultant who can address reverberation, speech privacy, ceiling/wall absorption, HVAC noise, workstation layout, and sound masking together—not just sell acoustic panels. Those factors all affect how distracting conversations are.
If you want design + installation, AZ Acoustics is another Phoenix-metro option; it specifically measures rooms and designs/installs acoustic treatment for offices and conference rooms.
If you tell me your office size (e.g., 5,000 sq ft), approximate employee count, and whether you're in Phoenix/Scottsdale/Tempe/etc., I can narrow this to the 3 best firms and explain what each would likely do for your space.
Acentech : A prominent independent acoustical consulting firm in the United States providing comprehensive architectural acoustics, room acoustics, and sound isolation design for commercial corporate environments and open-plan offices.
Longman Lindsey : A well-known independent acoustical consulting firm in the US that frequently partners with leading interior workspace architects (such as Gensler) to fine-tune open office acoustics, mechanical noise control, and specialized baffling.
room acoustics, reverberation/echo control, sound isolation, and minimizing aural distractions
SLR International Corporation - HFP Acoustical Consultants — A Houston acoustics/noise/vibration practice with a larger multidisciplinary consulting organization behind it. The National Council of Acoustical Consultants lists the Houston office and its acoustics team.
The Sextant Group
acoustics needs to coordinate with AV, technology, and building design
