15/10/2026
Shhhhh! Designing for Better Office Acoustics
I often get asked to keep my voice down. Well, my mum did work in a library, so give me a break!
Silence may be golden, but in the office, communication is essential. We need to talk, share ideas and debate, and conversations can quickly become quite animated in a shared environment. Not everyone wants to listen to complex business discussions or social chit-chat, particularly when it interrupts their workflow and, crucially, disrupts productivity.
So, how do we address this? How can we design workplaces with acoustics in mind?
When designing shared office spaces, I try to incorporate soft materials, acoustic flooring, fabrics and freestanding screening. These elements can help absorb sound and reduce noise transmission, while also creating opportunities to define areas for informal meetings or quiet working.
This approach can be both practical and visually interesting. Mesh screens, skeletal partitions and floral planter walls can introduce texture, character and a sense of separation, while helping to establish dedicated spaces within an open-plan environment.
Another effective solution, often suitable for retrofitting existing offices, is the use of acoustic baffles. Lightweight panels, either wall-mounted or suspended from the ceiling, can help absorb sound and reduce reverberation. They can also become an attractive design feature in their own right.
We’ve taken this idea a step further by incorporating printed graphics onto acoustic panels. This allows us to improve the acoustic environment while introducing personality, colour and branding that complement the wider interior scheme.
Ultimately, creating a successful workplace is about more than aesthetics. We must also consider functionality, comfort and human interaction. As designers, working alongside our clients, we have a responsibility to create environments that look great, work effectively and support the people who use them every day.
