Acoustic Design 101: Make Open Offices Work

Start by mapping noise sources and travel paths. Printers, pantries, and collaboration zones should never sit beside focus desks. The physics of sound mean that conversations carry much farther than we realize—especially in spaces with hard surfaces and minimal absorption. Create a noise map by walking through your space during typical work hours, identifying where conversations and equipment noise originate, and tracking how far they travel.

Acoustic zones require both physical separation and material strategy. Use sound-absorbing panels on walls and ceilings, soft furnishings to break up sound paths, and strategic placement of furniture to create natural barriers. The goal isn't complete silence—it's creating predictable acoustic environments where people know what to expect and can choose spaces that match their current task.

Use sound-absorbing materials, baffles, and soft finishes to tame reverberation times to under 0.6s in focus zones. Reverberation time measures how long sound persists in a space after the source stops. In open offices, high reverberation makes conversations from across the room clearly audible, destroying focus. Acoustic ceiling tiles, wall panels, and even carpeting dramatically reduce reverberation, making conversations more private and less distracting.

Phone booths and small huddle rooms provide pressure valves for spontaneous calls and debates. The best acoustic design creates multiple layers of privacy: open areas for quiet individual work, phone booths for one-on-one calls, small rooms for team discussions, and larger meeting rooms for formal presentations. This gradient of privacy allows people to match their space to their activity without friction.

Consider the frequency of different noise types. Low-frequency sounds (like HVAC systems) travel farther and are harder to block. Mid-frequency sounds (like normal conversation) are the primary distraction in offices. High-frequency sounds (like keyboard clicks) are more localized. Design your acoustic strategy to address the specific frequency ranges that cause the most problems in your space.

Set norms: headphones signal focus, and calls move to booths. Simple rules create predictable environments. When everyone understands the acoustic etiquette, spontaneous collaboration becomes possible without destroying deep work. Establish clear zones: quiet areas where headphones are expected, collaboration zones where discussion is welcome, and phone areas where calls are required.

Technology can augment acoustic design. White noise machines, sound masking systems, and even carefully chosen background music can help mask distracting conversations. The goal isn't to eliminate all sound—it's to create a consistent acoustic environment where unexpected noises don't break concentration.

Train your team on acoustic awareness. Most people don't realize how far their voices carry or how distracting their habits can be. Simple awareness training—like asking people to notice how far away they can hear conversations—creates more considerate behavior. When people understand the impact of their voice, they naturally adjust their behavior.

Measure and iterate. Use acoustic measurement tools to track reverberation times, background noise levels, and speech intelligibility. These metrics help you validate that your acoustic design is working and identify areas that need improvement. Regular measurement ensures that your acoustic environment doesn't degrade over time.

Acoustics is not decoration—it is an essential utility for cognitive work. Just as you wouldn't design an office without reliable electricity or internet, you shouldn't design one without proper acoustic infrastructure. The cost of poor acoustics is measured in lost focus, reduced productivity, and team frustration. Invest in acoustic design as you would in any other critical infrastructure.