News and Features

Environmental issues have never been more in the spotlight. Along with global concerns, there are constant changes to the built environment which demand expert assessment. New housing, roads and other developments often require an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) accompanied by an Environmental Statement (ES). This in turn often includes a Noise and Vibration chapter. Adrian…

Choosing the right acoustic consultant can be daunting, especially if you are unfamiliar with specialist sound testing and design services. Why not just choose the cheapest quote and hope for the best? What makes Adrian James Acoustics different? EXPERIENCE AJA was established over 25 years ago and has built up an enviable reputation. In 2003,…

Few public buildings are as beloved as libraries. Quite apart from lending out books, they offer a valuable social service across the generations. Many also provide secure spaces for valuable archives. DIGITAL AGE In the digital age, what is the role of the library building? Often they provide a symbol of local pride or academic…

An impressive new community hub has just opened in Norwich. This is the second major project from YMCA Norfolk which has involved our input. JUBILEE HALL YMCA Norfolk bought the old Jubilee Hall from the Royal British Legion when they stopped using the site in 2014. The vision was to transform a tired old building…

The Leyton Green Partnership is an innovative project, located in the London borough of Waltham Forest.  It was conceived as a mixed development incorporating buildings for social care, therapy, education and residential. RESPITE CENTRE We were appointed by HMY Architects to deliver acoustic design services for Phase One.  The centrepiece of this phase is a…

A new documentary has been screened with one of our projects playing a starring role. The music centre at King’s College School Wimbledon was designed by Hopkins Architects and is the subject of a Sky Arts programme, first broadcast on 23 February 2021. Adrian James Acoustics Associates Andrew Oldridge and Ian Rees worked alongside principal…

We are delighted to announce that three of our staff have recently been awarded the internationally-recognised Diploma in Acoustics and Noise Control from the Institute of Acoustics. George Moore, Martyn Broom and Pete Erskine have all spent the last year studying for the award. All three consultants already hold graduate degrees, so these latest diplomas…

If the initials PCT spell confusion to you, we can answer the most common questions about this important regulation. What is a PCT? A Pre-Completion Test (PCT) is a requirement under Part E of the government’s Building Regulations.  Also known as a sound insulation test, the aim is to ensure reasonable standards of sound insulation…

During the pandemic, many parents have been grappling with home schooling. Perhaps now is the time to look forward and reflect on better acoustic design for classrooms – in particular spaces well suited for pupils with special needs. SEND According to published lists, over 5% of school children are classified with special hearing and communication…

We are pleased to announce our friends at Ecophon UK recently released an excellent new CPD resource. Created by Ecophon’s Concept Developer for Education Shane Cryer, it’s an ideal solution for architects and other professionals who need to keep up with their CPD whilst working from home. The 25-minutes online video seminar is entitled “Designing…