Acoustics Consultant (London, Hybrid)

Charcoalblue is widely regarded as the most exciting and innovative theatre, acoustics, and experience consultancy in the world. We specialise in the performing arts, live entertainment, media, technology, education, experiential, hospitality, workplace and cultural sectors. We imagine, design, and deliver captivating spaces that entertain, educate, and transform individuals through collective experiences. Guided by listening, collaboration, and a passion for innovation, excellence, emotion, and theatricality, we strive to create extraordinary moments. Since our inception in the UK in 2004, Charcoalblue is now the largest organization of its kind, delivering projects to every corner of the globe. We operate as a cohesive and collaborative team with studios in London and Bristol in the UK, New York, Chicago, and San Francisco in the US, and Melbourne in Australia.

Charcoalblue Acoustics delivers great sounding spaces through a technically robust, creative, and collaborative process. We are specialists in performing arts and cultural buildings.

Charcoalblue aims to make contributions to a more equitable, more connected, more compassionate, more enriched, and more sustainable world. We seek out clients, teammates, and projects which resonate with this approach.

Description of Role We are currently seeking full-time early- and mid-career acousticians who specialise in the performing arts.

You will support our projects specifically in Greater London, in the UK, but also our global portfolio of work. You will collaborate with all acoustic members of our global acoustics team.

You will be responsible for design, documentation, measurements, analysis, and construction observation in room acoustics, sound separation, noise and vibration control, soundscapes, and environmental noise. We're looking for someone with a passion for performing arts and cultural projects who will be able to contribute with their skills and experience to the technical capabilities and design sensibilities that we offer to our clients, our fellow design teams, and project stakeholders.

Acousticians have a key role in establishing the performance and perception of spaces. Charcoalblue champions the position of sound in our environment. You will have direct influence over issues such as the size, scale and geometry of spaces, materials and finishes, building massing, construction materials and detailing, building systems equipment locations and distribution strategies, detailing of noise control means and methods. Communicating design rationale to other team members and to clients, architects, and engineers will be a key aspect of the role.

You will report to one of our Directors or Associate Directors who will manage project assignments and workload. You will have the chance to meet regularly with your line manager to ensure you are fully supported in your role.
Supporting projects in other parts of the world will rely upon communication with Charcoalblue designers and external consultants in other time zones, including extensive use of video conferencing. In-person presence at project sites for measurement, construction observation and commissioning will be expected. Design meetings may be regularly held in-person and there may be some expectation for internal, in-person collaboration sessions in the London studio, on the South Bank.

Key Responsibilities

• Communicate with clients, users, contractors, and design teams about acoustic requirements. Present design recommendations through narrative descriptions and diagrams.
• Contribute to the development and communication of project goals, especially the acoustic aesthetics, but also including broader design considerations (cost, sustainability, etc.).
• Establish acoustic criteria appropriate for the project requirements and anticipated uses and expectations.
• Visit buildings to subjectively and objectively evaluate the acoustic characteristics. Use measurement equipment to gather data according to technical standards.
• Conduct room acoustic analysis and calculations to develop and justify design decisions, including computer-based room acoustic modelling, geometric analysis, and processing of measured data.
• Perform sound separation analysis to recommend appropriate construction types and details to meet target performance.
• Analyse and calculate predicted noise levels in building systems and provide design guidance and recommendations to meet target performance.
• Contribute to project documentation through drawn information, including conceptual diagrams and construction details.
• Contribute to the specification language related to acoustic requirements.
• Review the drawings and specifications of other consultants and evaluate acoustic performance and adherence to acoustic goals.
• Participate in site visits for construction progress and building commissioning.
• Communicate the intent and purpose of acoustic recommendations while adjusting communication styles for different audiences - client teams, other creative designers, engineers, building contractors, etc.
• Work with our Team Leaders to set out project work plans, goals, and deliverables. Contribute to the overall design and construction management of projects, including commenting on costs and risks.
• Work with our internal design team to present a holistic design solution which balances all aspects of performance functionality.
• Contribute to the continual development of our internal design, technical and training resources.
• Support the work of our larger team including three UK-based acousticians and other in the UK, US and Australia.
• Contribute to winning new work through proposal writing, contributing to competitions, and attending gatherings to represent Charcoalblue in the broader industry.

This list is not intended to be exhaustive and may be subject to alteration over time.

Qualifications and Key Skills We value diverse experiences and educational backgrounds. If you meet most of the qualifications listed below, we encourage you to apply. At Charcoalblue, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every team member can thrive.

Essential

• At least 4 years' experience working in an acoustics consultancy, with experience in building acoustics and environmental acoustics, or related experience
• Have education or professional experience in the physics of sound, noise, and vibration, including standard metrics and their derivation
• Experience in technical drawing in a CAD package such as AutoCAD or two-dimensional drawings. Knowledge of technical and architectural drawing standards.
• Experience with creating 3D models for acoustic analysis using software like Sketchup and/or Rhinoceros.
• Experience in room acoustic analysis using software such as CATT-Acoustic or Odeon.
• Critical listening skills; ability to discuss and communicate ideas about sound in built environment
• Writing and editing skills, including familiarity with the standard suite of Microsoft Office products. Our written work is an integral part of Charcoalblue's profile, so a high degree of literacy is important.
• Practical experience in acoustic measurement procedures and familiarity with standards.
• Skills in data manipulation and calculation, in spreadsheet and/or programming platforms.
• Knowledge of acoustics regulations, industry guidance, planning policy, and sustainability standards.
• The ability to collaborate, self-manage and set work plans for the successful delivery of work against deadlines.
• Proven ability to manage and contribute to multiple projects simultaneously, while effectively balancing competing priorities and deadlines.
• Enthusiasm in pursuing continuous personal and professional development.
• Full member of the Institute of Acoustics (IOA) or other Acoustic Society
• Parametric modelling with Rhinoceros and Grasshopper.
• BIM modelling with Revit.
• Auralisation techniques, the use of Max/MSP and knowledge of 3D audio such as ambisonics or binaural processing.
• Coding and scripting for data analysis.
• Licensed Driver.
• Experience using acoustics analysis software such as INSUL and SoundPLAN.
• Experience or interest in construction, building science, and architectural design, including the design process and the roles of an architectural design team.
• Skill and sensitivity to graphic design and layout, graphical display of information, adhering to design standards, and incorporating corporate branding.
• Experience and interest in live performance, music, broadcast, and/or events.
• Performing arts knowledge and experience, especially performing in musical ensembles or in theatrical productions or undertaking technical roles in productions.
• Completion of a degree or diploma in acoustics or other related technical subject.

This role is being offered as a permanent, full-time role.

Our standard full-time working week is 40 hours, flexible between 8am and 8pm Monday-Friday, plus an hour per day (unpaid) for lunch, with an understanding that flexible working hours will apply to meet our clients' needs and to accommodate the company's global time zones. Charcoalblue does not provide for the payment of overtime. The nature of the job and the Partnership's business could occasionally entail some work outside normal working hours.

There is a three-month probationary period for permanent roles.

We are currently working in a hybrid working model, meaning you will work from your home, or other place of your choosing . click apply for full job details