Acoustic Distinctions

12/22/2025

Happy Holidays from our team to yours! This page is sunsetting, but the story continues! Please follow TLC Engineering Solutions to stay in the loop.

https://www.facebook.com/TLCengineeringsolutions/

11/06/2025

So proud to have been part of the Emma Willard School’s Alice Dodge Wallace ’38 Center for the Performing Arts, and thrilled to see the project honored with an Architectural Record Award. Congratulations to Annum Architects (Formerly Ann Beha Architects), Emma Willard School, and the entire project team!

09/16/2025

We're excited to share that AD Senior Associate Christopher Brooks will be performing in 'Aligned with the Cube' with somatic movement artist Hiie Saumaa at L’AiR Arts in Paris on Saturday, October 18.

The performance explores the relationship between the human body and architectural space — raising thoughtful questions about movement, perception, and transformation.

📍 Event details: https://www.lairarts.com/2025-architectures-du-quotidien.html

We hope you’ll join Chris for this unique artistic collaboration at the intersection of sound, space, and experience - if you happen to be in Paris, you won’t want to miss it!

In 2025, Atelier 11 —the last active artist studio of La Cité Falguière— celebrates its 150th anniversary. As part of the National Architecture Days with the theme Architectures du...

09/09/2025

Last night was one for the books! 🍕

From delicious brick oven pizza to laughter-filled conversations, we had an unforgettable evening celebrating with our Acoustics team at David’s home. This year’s gathering was especially meaningful as we welcomed members of our TLC family — including Taw North and Daniel Oldakowski — now that we’ve joined forces with TLC Engineering Solutions. We were also thrilled to welcome Matt Ripley, the newest member of our team, as he joined us for his first TLC company event.

Nights like these remind us why we do what we do. They reflect TLC’s core values in action:

One TLC – Coming together as one unified team.

Caring – Building stronger connections with the people we work alongside every day.

Committed – Dedicated to supporting one another, our clients, and our shared success.

High Performance & Extreme Service – Celebrating the collaboration that drives us to create exceptional, high-performing environments for our clients.

Here’s to more moments that inspire, connect, and strengthen our team!

08/28/2025

Congratulations to the entire project team on being recognized as one of Engineering News-Record New York’s 2025 Best Projects! We’re proud to have supported the transformation of Emma Willard School’s historic chapel and new performing arts spaces, providing consulting services for performance audio and AV systems to enhance the student experience.

Applauding the incredible efforts of the design team in bringing this vision to life!

08/18/2025

Now that we’ve joined forces with TLC Engineering Solutions, we will be consolidating our updates and communications under TLC’s official social media channels. To continue receiving news, updates, and insights, please follow the accounts below...

LinkedIn @ TLCEngineeringSolutions
Instagram @ TLCEngineering
Facebook @ TLCEngineeringSolutions

06/19/2025

Exciting news for our clients and team! Acoustic Distinctions is thrilled to announce we’ve joined . This partnership enhances our capabilities, providing clients with streamlined projects and access to national expertise and resources. We’re excited for what’s next!

Read the full announcement HERE... https://tlc-engineers.com/news/acoustic-distinctions-is-now-part-of-tlc/

05/22/2025

We’re proud to share that Arthur van der Harten, Senior Associate at Acoustic Distinctions and author of Pachyderm Acoustic, has been invited to participate in a featured panel discussion at the 2025 International Symposium on Musical and Room Acoustics (ISMRA) in New Orleans!

On Monday, May 26 at 3:20 PM, Arthur will join leading developers and researchers from COMSOL, EASE, ODEON, Treble, and others for a dynamic discussion on the future of room acoustic simulation and auralization. Topics will include realism in modeling, data formats, boundary conditions, common challenges, and the potential role of AI in future tools. Moderated by Prof. Dr. Michael Vorländer of RWTH Aachen University, this panel will offer valuable insight into key developments and the latest advancements in acoustic modeling.

In addition to the panel, Arthur will also present two original papers at ISMRA:
“Open Source Numerical Tools for Evaluating Unique Finish Designs” — May 26 at 1:10 PM
“Recent Practice in the Design of Rehearsal Rooms” — May 27 at 11:50 AM

It’s always rewarding to see our team sharing their expertise and contributing to global conversations shaping the future of acoustics. 👏

🔗 Learn more about ISMRA: https://ismra2025.org/?page_id=125

Schedule Overview The ISMRA joint symposium will take place over three days, starting Sunday May 25, 2025. The first day will feature plenary sessions and keynote speakers addressing topics that encompass both musical and room acoustics. The following days will have parallel sessions, both oral and....

04/11/2025

A Legacy in Harmony — Check out this inspiring podcast episode from West Point - The U.S. Military Academy featuring LTC Daniel Toven and SGM Carla Loy Song, highlighting the transformation of Egner Hall, home to the West Point Band and Glee Club. Around the 18-minute mark, they reflect on how the newly renovated rehearsal spaces have elevated the musical experience for cadets.

We're proud to have played a role in this project — Acoustic Distinctions provided specialized acoustic design for the Band and Glee Club rooms, improving loudness control, ensemble communication, and overall sound quality. With tailored room shaping, ceiling treatments, and an advanced enhancement system, the result is a space where musicians can truly hear — and be heard.

Listen here: https://www.westpointaog.org/news/podcast-a-legacy-in-harmony-with-ltc-daniel-toven-and-sgm-carla-loy-song

In this episode, LTC Daniel Toven and SGM Carla Loy Song share insights into the West Point Band’s role as a cornerstone of the cadet experience.

03/11/2025

Join Christopher Brooks, LEED AP from Acoustic Distinctions at the upcoming CSI Middle Atlantic Region Conference in Lancaster, PA.

📅 Saturday, April 5
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Hopewell Room, Wyndham Resort & Convention Center

Chris will present “Sound, Hearing, Listening, and the Built Environment”, exploring how acoustics shape our experience of space. This session is approved for 1 LU/HSW with AIA CES and will dive into the science and artistry of sound in design.

Learn more about the conference here: https://cpc-csi.com/MARC

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02/21/2025

Acoustic Distinctions at USITT 2025 – Join Us!

At Acoustic Distinctions, we believe in collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving—values that shape the way we design and enhance performance spaces. That’s why we’re thrilled to have David Kahn, Principal, and Arthur van der Harten, Senior Associate, sharing their expertise at the upcoming USITT Conference in Columbus!

🎤 Arthur van der Harten’s Sessions:
📅 Thursday, March 6 | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Open Source Acoustic Simulation for Everyone
Learn how to leverage Pachyderm Acoustic, a powerful free and open-source platform, to simulate and analyze room acoustics for theaters and performance spaces. This hands-on session will provide essential insights into acoustical metrics, visualizations, and auralizations to enhance your design approach.

📅 Friday, March 7 | 2:00 PM - 3:15 PM
Master of Many: Acoustics & the Versatility of Multi-Purpose Arts Venues
Creating a venue that supports multiple art forms requires a deep understanding of acoustics. Arthur and Zachary will explore how shape, materials, and adaptable design can help theaters accommodate everything from unamplified drama to full-scale musical productions.

🎤 David Kahn’s Session:
📅 Theatre-Based Economic Development
Discover how the revitalization of the Lincoln Theatre transformed an entire neighborhood, breathing new economic life into a once-blighted community. David, alongside the project’s design team and theatre staff, will share insights into how historic performance spaces can serve as catalysts for growth and renewal.

Join us at USITT 2025 to explore how acoustics shape artistic expression and community impact. Let’s innovate together!

USITT Website... https://s7.goeshow.com/usitt/annual/2025/index.cfm

USITT25 is home to the doers, the makers, the tech-savvy, and those who keep the live entertainment industry moving. Where companies connect with their end users and industry professionals exchange ideas.