Acoustic Essentials For Architects | A Discussion With Michael Fay

In this episode, hear about a topic that quietly impacts our daily lives yet is often overlooked in the early stages of design: acoustics. Michael Fay, a 45-year veteran AV and acoustical design engineer, former editor of Recording Engineer/Producer magazine, and author of Acoustic Essentials for Architects, has a gift for breaking down complex concepts into practical, no-nonsense guidance—making the science of sound not only accessible but fascinating.

In this conversation, we’ll explore key principles from his book, uncover why acoustics often get sidelined in architectural projects, and learn how asking four simple questions can make the difference between a space that just looks good and one that sounds as good as it looks.

Whether you’re an architect, designer, or just someone curious about how sound shapes our world, this episode will change the way you think about the spaces you create and inhabit.

Purchase Michael's book here: Acoustic Essentials for Architects: The Primer Many Architects Wish They Were Offered in School