Phebe Cunningham

Phebe assists and consults on all aspects of room acoustic design, planning, sound separation, and noise and vibration design for the performing arts.

At Charcoalblue, I consult in the acoustics group, collaborating across disciplines to shape environments where sound supports both function and experience. I believe every project requires a holistic approach – one that considers how room geometry, sound separation, and mechanical systems work together to create a cohesive aural environment. Curating that cohesion means continually prioritizing balance between desires, needs, and aspirations, and the realities that ground them. Most important to me is that the end result feels timelessly excellent – versatile, resilient, and quietly elevating the way people connect and communicate for years to come.

What Does Great Design or Experience Mean to You

Great design is comfortable, aligns purpose, and often works subtly in the background. I believe the best spaces inspire awe and provide a foundation for others to easily and effectively express their passion and purpose, whether it be through excellent speech intelligibility, or intentional reverberance.

Coffee, Travel, or Creative Ritual

I’ve found that practicing wonder helps me see things differently, more broadly, and more expansively. Whether at work or on the subway, I look for inspiration in the overlooked, question what maybe hasn’t been questioned, and ponder to spark new ideas. Wonder shifts my perspective, making the mundane feel fresh and creates space for awe!

Cultural Value That Inspires You to Go the Extra Mile

Creativity and innovation: Being creative in finding new solutions excites me to approach each project in a unique way. I enjoy understanding what makes each one distinct and translating that into thoughtful, innovative solutions. No two projects serve the same audience or share the same goals, and it’s our responsibility to fully understand that context and reflect it in how we design for excellent acoustics.