The Architect’s Guide to Specifying Audio Systems
Audio systems are often considered too late in architectural projects. By the time the AV package is discussed, the ceiling design may already be fixed, the joinery may already be drawn, the lighting layout may already be coordinated and the acoustic finishes may already be approved.
This creates avoidable compromises. Loudspeakers become visible because no allowance was made for them. Acoustic treatment becomes difficult to integrate. Cable routes become awkward. Equipment locations become an afterthought. The final room may look resolved but feel uncomfortable, uneven or sonically disconnected.
The Architect’s Guide to Specifying audio systems is a practical resource from Sonic Design Studios for architects, interior designers and project managers who want to integrate sound earlier and with greater confidence.
Who this guide is for
This guide is written for design teams working on hospitality, residential and design led commercial spaces. It is especially relevant for architects, interior designers, project managers and client representatives who are responsible for maintaining the visual integrity of a space while still accommodating technical requirements.
It is not written as a hardware catalogue. It is a coordination tool. The guide explains how to think about sound before the project becomes locked into decisions that limit performance.
Why early audio coordination matters
Sound interacts with the architecture of a room. Ceiling heights, surface finishes, glazing, furniture, joinery, room proportions and occupancy all affect how a system will perform.
If audio is planned early, the design team can make space for loudspeakers, cable routes, control points, equipment racks, acoustic treatments and access requirements. These details can then become part of the architecture rather than late stage technical compromises.
Early coordination also helps the client make better commercial decisions. Instead of buying equipment reactively, the team can define the desired atmosphere, performance level and operating model first.
What the guide helps prevent
The guide helps prevent common project issues such as visible loudspeakers in sensitive interiors, poor coverage across dining rooms, acoustic harshness in reflective spaces, inadequate equipment ventilation, missing cable routes, badly located control points and late changes during construction.
It also helps design teams understand when to involve an audio consultant, what information should be included in the brief and how audio coordination relates to RIBA stages.
What you will learn inside
- How to define audio requirements during the initial client brief.
- Why audio should be considered before ceiling and joinery details are fixed.
- The basic principles of acoustic comfort in hospitality and residential spaces.
- How loudspeaker placement affects coverage, clarity and atmosphere.
- How to coordinate audio with lighting, MEP, joinery and interior finishes.
- Strategies for concealing loudspeakers without compromising performance.
- Why acoustic treatment should be integrated, not added as an afterthought.
- How to avoid common mistakes during procurement and installation.
- RIBA stage considerations for audio and acoustic coordination.
Download the guide
Request a copy of the architect’s guide. We will send the PDF directly and a member of the studio will be in touch if useful.
Download the guideHow Sonic Design Studios supports design teams
Sonic Design Studios works with architects, interior designers, hospitality operators and private clients to define audio and acoustic strategy before the project reaches installation stage.
We help translate the client’s desired atmosphere into a coordinated technical brief. This includes loudspeaker strategy, acoustic treatment guidance, system zoning, control logic, equipment coordination and commissioning support.
Our aim is simple: to make sound part of the design process early enough that it improves the final space rather than disrupting it.
Frequently asked
Is this guide focused on residential or commercial projects?
The principles apply to both premium residential and hospitality environments.
Does the guide recommend specific brands?
No. The guide focuses on design methodology, spatial coordination and acoustic principles rather than specific hardware.
Can I share this guide with my wider design team?
Yes. The guide is intended to help design teams improve coordination around audio and acoustics.
When should we involve Sonic Design Studios?
The best time is during concept or technical design, before ceiling details, joinery, acoustic finishes and service routes are fixed.
Planning audio earlier in the design process?
Sonic Design Studios works with architects and interior designers to integrate sound systems before they become visible compromises.
Speak to Sonic Design Studios