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Acoustics

Leading the Charge in Building Acoustics: An Interview with Helen Sheldon

Pascal van Dort
January 18, 2023

Meet Helen Sheldon, an expert in building acoustics and the Director at RBA Acoustics. With over 20 years of experience in the field, Helen shares her insights on the current state of acoustic design, the future of the industry, and her vision for the perfect office environment.

Helen Sheldon is a trailblazer in the world of building acoustics, using her extensive knowledge and expertise to bring top-quality acoustic design to projects around the globe. As the Director at RBA Acoustics, she not only advises on high-profile projects in the UK, Middle East, and Eastern Europe, but also actively promotes the importance of acoustics as a STEM subject. 

With a passion for both music and science, Helen has been revolutionising the field for over 20 years and shows no signs of slowing down. As she looks to the future, Helen envisions a greater focus on sustainability and health and wellbeing in acoustic design, all while creating the perfect balance of lively collaboration areas and peaceful spaces for focused work.

How did you get started working in your field of expertise?

I always loved music, but also enjoyed maths and science, and so working in the ‘science of sound’ seemed like a good idea. Not many people have head of acoustics as a sector, but my dad had worked in acoustics, so I was aware that it existed and building acoustic design appealed to me. So, I decided to study Physics, Music, and Maths at A-Level, then went on to do a degree in Physics with Acoustics at Salford University. Once I graduated, I started working in acoustic consultancy and have never looked back! 

Helen Sheldon, Womans Day, Sound, woman working in the world of sound
Meet Helen Sheldon

Helen graduated from Salford University with a BSc in Physics with Acoustics in 2002. She has worked in building acoustic consultancy ever since and has advised on numerous high-profile projects throughout the UK, Middle East, and Eastern Europe. She was recently promoted to Director of RBA Acoustics and actively promotes acoustics as a STEM subject.

Contact Helen
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What is the design trend you see in the current office environment?

I think the trends are moving to even more open collaboration areas, with limited acoustic treatment to create ‘buzzy’ spaces. But for that to work, it has to be counteracted with lots of quiet areas for focussed work, calls/video meetings, and in-person meeting areas. 

Acoustics & Design 1on 1 interview with panelists

What does the future of acoustics and design look like to you?

How do you design an open plan office when the client wants to have an exposed open plenum?

This is highly dependent on the wants and needs of the client. It's possible to create a good environment even with an exposed soffit. As the the nature of acoustics is subjective and depends on the type and culture of the work, the specific design will vary. The most important thing is ensuring that there is a good client briefing and the acoustic consultant and design team understand what is required.

Webinar Acoustics & Design
On-Demand Webinar: Acoustics & Design

Acoustics and Design, are they really a paradox?

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Video

This year RBA Acoustics is celebrating its’ 20th anniversary. How do you see the role of the acoustic consultant in 20 years from now?

RBA celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2022, and by pure coincidence this year also marks my 20th year working in acoustic consultancy. I don’t think the role itself has changed that much during that time, although the fashions for how people work and therefore the designs we develop have changed. Similarly, I think the actual function of the acoustic consultant will be similar in 20 years from now. However, I do think there will be a much greater focus on sustainability as well as health and wellbeing, and the acoustic designs we come up with will need to move with that. 

If you have the total freedom to design the office of the future, how would it sound like?

This is an impossible question! For me, the best sounding office is likely to have some lively open areas encouraging collaboration and group work, plus dedicated areas for focussed work either on an individual or small group basis. But it will definitely have spaces with lots of absorption in which are suitable for video-conferencing, as trying to hear what’s going on in a lively meeting room on the other end of a video call is my probably my pet peeve when it comes to office acoustic design! But again, what is perfect for me may not be perfect for my colleagues, or for a team who work in a different way, so that needs to be taken into account when working with clients.

Did you know that Helen Sheldon was one of the panellists in our webinar Acoustics & Design? Check out the video below to hear her key takeaways from the panel discussion.

 

Acoustics & Design 1on 1 interview with panelists

What are your key takeaways from the panel discussion?

Pascal van Dort
Pascal van Dort

Global Acoustics Ambassador

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