“Acoustics is the unseen, often unspoken language of truly functional and considered design; where the expertise of interior designers is not just valuable, but essential.”
– Gemma Daskalou (Senior Associate at Concept)
In the world of interior design, visual impact tends to steal the spotlight- but, in a functional workplace, acoustics matter just as much. Acoustics plays on our senses. It can elevate or undermine a space entirely. Too often treated as an afterthought or value-managed out, it’s a vital layer of design.
Poor acoustic design can lead to distractions, discomfort, and disengagement. On the other hand, a thoughtfully treated space can boost productivity, support wellbeing, and elevate the entire workplace experience. That’s why, through our workplace strategy team Elevate, we treat sound as a design material, not just a technical requirement.
Acoustics in action: Concept’s 140 Bourke Street HQ
In designing our head office, we knew a strong acoustic strategy would be essential — especially in shared zones like meeting rooms, breakout areas, and focus spaces.
“When we designed the boardroom in our office, we considered noise control through sound-absorbing materials and strategic office layout to balance noisy and quiet areas”
– Cheryl Salanga (Interior Designer at Concept)
A boardroom built for clarity
The boardroom is the most acoustically treated space in our HQ — and for good reason. It’s where focus, clarity and calm are essential.
- Scalloped Autex wall panels were installed at half height, carefully chosen to match the feature carpet, curtains and table, ensuring the room feels cohesive and polished.
- A perforated ceiling helps to reduce sound reverberation while also softening overhead light.
- Carpeted flooring helps to absorb footfall and ambient noise for an added layer of calm.
- Slab-to-slab partitioning was specified to ensure full acoustic separation between zones, minimising sound transfer.
““The perforated ceiling also plays a key role in diffusing light evenly throughout the space, softening the overall feel and enhancing the warm, inviting atmosphere we aimed to create. Every element was carefully selected to harmonise with the room’s colour palette and ambience,” Cheryl explains.
Visual impact meets sound control
For example, in our office we didn’t just use acoustic treatments for performance. We used them as a tool for visual storytelling:
- Colour blocking was used to define each meeting room and booth area. For example, the Hub features Shaw Contract’s Brazilwood carpet with a contrasting dark grey Autex panel.
- Phone booths are finished in Knotwood with matching acoustic panels and coloured ceilings for a cohesive look.
- Breakout booths feature ceiling-mounted Autex panels in dusty pink — complementing the Kalamata Laminex joinery and reducing sound spill.
Small details, big impact
In some smaller meeting rooms and phone booths, we softened the form of acoustic panels with curved edges a simple design move that ties in with the overall architecture and adds interest without visual clutter.
Every panel, finish, and fixture was chosen to support both function and feel proving that acoustic design can be both effective and expressive.
Why acoustics matter
When designed well, acoustics can:
- Reduce distractions and cognitive fatigue
- Improve speech clarity in meetings and video calls
- Create a more comfortable and productive environment
- Support the intended mood and purpose of a space
Whether you’re building a workplace from scratch or refreshing an existing space, don’t leave acoustics as an afterthought. They are essential to how people feel, work, and interact in the spaces you create.
Acoustic pendants absorb workstation sound at Vinomofo (left)
Acoustic fins absorb sounds from the pool table at Sushi Sushi’s Melbourne headquarters (Right)
By Elevate – Concept’s Design Strategy Team
Gemma Daskalou, Senior Associate at Concept (left)
Cheryl Salanga, Interior Designer at Concept (right)
Want to explore how acoustic design could transform your space?
Get in touch with the Elevate team to learn how we can bring sound strategy and standout design together for your next project.
