Acentech is a multi-disciplinary acoustics, audiovisual, and vibration consulting firm with offices in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and California. As the direct descendent of the highly regarded Bolt Beranek and Newman (BBN) acoustics consulting group, Acentech is one of the oldest and largest organizations of its type: an unequaled resource to institutions, engineers, architects, planners, and designers worldwide.
Acentech's staff of 50 consultants brings more than 60 years of extensive experience to projects, with an integrated approach that results in cost-efficient solutions and streamlined execution. The staff includes Board Certified Noise Consulting Engineers, LEED Accredited Professionals, Diamond Level Certified AV Solutions Consultants, PhDs, and Professional Engineers. Acentech listens carefully to its clients and collaborates with the project team - architects, facility and operations managers, campus planners, owners, engineers, transportation experts, and specialty consultants. The firm has the technical knowledge, experience and the credentials to consult on nearly any type of facility or environment.
Acentech’s expertise:
Architectural Acoustics
Audiovisual and Sound System Design
Noise and Vibration Control
Environmental Noise and Industrial Acoustics
Information Technology Planning
Building Dynamics
Quiet Product Design
We compose project teams by selecting individual consultants whose expertise and experience will give special consideration to the particular challenges of each project. Many of Acentech’s acoustical consultants are recognized authorities in their technical specialties.
Acentech celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2008. We are proud to have provided a wide range of acoustical consulting services and solutions for a diverse group of clients. Today we continue to build on our rich foundation with each new project.
Acentech's Focus on Sustainable Design
Acentech is a member of the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) and has Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Accredited Professionals in-house. Acentech's integrated approach to sustainable design enables architects, owners, and developers to balance acoustical comfort and audiovisual technologies with a project's design goals. We are committed to providing our clients with the expertise and experience to incorporate not only eco-friendly acoustical materials, but also audiovisual equipment efficiencies to conserve energy, reduce carbon emissions, and decrease operational costs for sustainable design projects of any scope and size. Sustainable construction and renovation projects can achieve significant acoustical and audiovisual benefits while reducing energy consumption of the building systems, improving thermal losses of the building, and introducing recycled or rapidly renewable products in the process.
Acentech Company History
Acentech is the only acoustic solutions company to be incorporated directly from a division of the founding company, Bolt Beranek and Newman (BBN). BBN was founded in 1948 as an acoustic consultancy company and has since diversified into computing and communications technologies. Acentech was incorporated in 1989.
In 1984, Bolt Beranek and Newman and its pioneering acoustical consultants were privileged to receive the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Institute of Honor Award. The award is in recognition of "having almost single-handedly invented an entire profession by creating an awareness of acoustical considerations in design and by integrating solutions based on scientific principles with architectural and artistic concepts."
Acentech has been in operation for over 60 years, and we continually build on our rich foundation by serving a diverse group of clients across the United States and worldwide.
Early Days at BBN
Bolt Beranek and Newman (BBN) quickly became a world-class acoustical consulting firm serving clients throughout the United States and many other countries. Renowned acoustician, Leo Beranek, recently shared almost one-hundred color images of BBN staff, a 25th anniversary party, offices and activities taken during the early 1950’s. Leo has recorded an audio introduction to the photos and some discussion of consulting during the early years of BBN.
