Whether you’re looking to perfect the acoustics of a performance space, implement cutting-edge systems technology, or quiet a noisy product, Acentech is your resource.
We provide acoustics, technology and vibration consulting to clients across the globe. Acentech’s multi-disciplinary practice brings extensive experience to critical areas of the design and problem resolution: architectural acoustics, mechanical systems noise and vibration control, environmental noise and vibration, product sound quality, audiovisual and multimedia systems, security systems, and wired and wireless voice and data networking.
ACENTECH AT A GLANCE
TRANSLATION? It means:
- We will work with an architect to achieve their aesthetic vision while ensuring the space meets acoustical, vibration and technological expectations.
- We will work with a hospital or laboratory to minimize the sound and vibration impacts of a nearby rail line.
- We will work with a cutting-edge business school to design AV systems that are intuitive and easy to use and will last into the future.
- We will work with a product manufacturer to help quiet their appliance or even change its sound to make it more desirable to the consumer.
We are one of the oldest and largest organizations of our type with our acoustical consulting roots stretching back more than 70 years. Acentech’s acousticians, engineers, scientists, and technical consultants bring collective expertise and innovative thinking to the critical design relationship between architecture and technology, and the built environment.
Our consulting services capabilities range far and wide but are niche at the same time. It takes passion to commit yourself to this line of work and we all love what we do.
Our collaborative teams consult with clients to explore options to their space’s performance demands and to help them navigate through the complexity that evolves with project scale, multiple interfaces, and new technologies. Our portfolio covers a wide variety of project types including performing arts, market sector facilities, and energy, industrial, and transportation infrastructure.
WHERE WE’VE WORKED
OUR PEOPLE MAKE ACENTECH
There are plenty of good reasons to collaborate with Acentech – our people are the best reason. With an average tenure of 11+ years, our employees are clearly passionate about the work they do, value the clients they serve, and treasure those they work with. We are a fusion of technical experts, technology designers, acoustical and vibration consultants, and business professionals. We are also rock climbers, musicians, parents, teachers, artists, actors, and activists. Those who work at Acentech are more than just employees.
Our History
Acentech’s origins and history began with the pioneering work of Bolt Beranek and Newman (BBN), founders of the acoustics and audiovisual profession. BBN built its reputation working on prestigious and high-profile projects in the United States, and grew into a world-class acoustical consulting firm serving clients globally. Among other technologies, practices and patents, BBN pioneered the use of computer models to design noise barriers near highways and airports, and designed acoustics for the most renowned concert halls and performance spaces in the world.
1948
Bolt Beranek & Newman founded by Richard Bolt, Leo Beranek and Robert Newman.
1952
The United Nations Headquarters in New York, NY opens. BBN provided acoustics and audiovisual consulting services for the facility.
1959
BBN provides consulting services for Tanglewood’s Koussevitzky Music Shed.
1962
BBN designs acoustics for Lincoln Center’s Philharmonic Hall, later renamed Avery Fisher Hall.
1965
BBN designs sound system for Papal Mass in Yankee Stadium.
1969
BBN is awarded contract to build ARPANET, forerunner of the Internet.
1972
BBN assists with acoustical analysis of the JFK Assassination Motorcycle Tapes.
1973
BBN asked to assist with the President Richard Nixon/Watergate tape investigation.
1984
BBN honored by American Institute of Architects with the Institute Honor.
1989
BBN’s acoustics consulting group is spun off into a wholly-owned subsidiary called Acentech Incorporated.
1991
Acentech becomes wholly independent of BBN.
Acentech is now 100% employee owned and operated.
1996
Carl Rosenberg becomes president of Acentech.
2003
Acentech opens a mid-Atlantic office outside Philadelphia.
2004
Christopher Savereid becomes Acentech’s president.
2005
RH Lyon Corp, a product design and development group with special strengths in sound and vibration, becomes the RH Lyon Division of Acentech. The consultants in the RH Lyon division (now Product Sound) specialize in quiet product design, sound quality, and diagnostic technologies.
2009
Acentech launches Studio A, a specialized consulting group offering acoustics, audiovisual design, and vibration control for the performing arts.
2011
Jeff Zapfe becomes Acentech’s third and current president.
2013
Acentech moves its suburban Los Angeles office to a new downtown Los Angeles location to better serve the design community.
2014
Rebrand of Acentech’s visual identity.
2015
Acentech launches new website.
2017
Acentech officially signs on for an ESOP (employee stock ownership plan).
2021
Acentech launches new website.
Learn About Our Culture
At Acentech, we nurture a unique company culture that infuses talent, passion and innovation into our workplace, our projects, and our collaboration with clients.
