Commercial Acoustic Consultancy
Commercial developments require thoughtful acoustic design to ensure fitness for purpose, occupant comfort, regulatory compliance and successful planning outcomes. Noise from adjacent roads, plant equipment, deliveries and building services can all influence how a commercial space functions and how it is perceived by users and neighbours. Sound transfer between spaces must be adequately controlled and the internal acoustics correctly designed.
We provide independent, technically robust acoustic consultancy that supports commercial projects from early feasibility and planning through detailed design, construction and operational assessment.
How we support commercial projects
Commercial buildings have distinct acoustic considerations: balancing internal comfort with external noise sources, satisfying planning policy requirements, coordinating with mechanical systems and ensuring appropriate sound insulation between internal spaces. We work with developers, architects and design teams to identify acoustic risks early and develop proportionate strategies that integrate with design, planning and construction requirements. We also provide consultancy in support of BREEAM acoustic credits, Pol 05 and Hea 05.
Our focus is on practical acoustic design that supports commercial viability and user experience without unnecessary cost or over specification.
Common acoustic considerations in commercial developments
Commercial buildings often face a combination of external and internal noise issues, including:
- Traffic and environmental noise intrusion
- Sound transmission between commercial units or uses
- Mechanical plant, ventilation systems and fixed services
- Building services noise during operation hours
- Building Acoustics including reverberation and internal sound environment
- Noise impacts on adjacent residential or sensitive land uses
We assess these factors in context and provide clear and pragmatic recommendations that help ensure the acoustics support planning compliance, good design, buildability and occupant satisfaction.
Noise impact assessment and planning support
We carry out noise impact assessments for commercial developments where external noise sources or nearby land uses could affect internal comfort or planning outcomes. These assessments include site measurement, analysis, noise prediction and mitigation design, and are prepared to meet the expectations of planning authorities and design teams.
Internal acoustic design and occupant comfort
Commercial buildings often require careful internal acoustic design to balance functionality, comfort and user experience. Poor internal acoustics can undermine how a space is perceived, affect dwell time and behaviour, and lead to complaints or costly remedial works if not addressed early.
This is particularly important in hospitality spaces, where excessive reverberation and background noise can significantly affect customer comfort and even perception of food and drink quality. We provide proportionate, design-stage acoustic advice covering sound insulation, reverberation control and coordination with finishes and building services, ensuring commercial spaces perform as intended without unnecessary specification or over-design.
David Garritt BEng MIOA
Director and Acoustic Consultant
Speak to an Acoustic Consultant
If you would like to talk to us about any aspect of acoustics and how we can help, please do not hesitate to contact us:
e-mail: contact@sdgarritt.co.uk
Phone: Doncaster main office, 01302 854 303
David Garritt’s mobile, 07894 073 973
Elizabeth Garritt BSc AMIOA
Acoustic Consultant