Spencer Mason

Spencer provides consultancy in all aspects of acoustics for performing arts venues, including room acoustic design and planning, sound separation, and noise and vibration design.

I am an acoustic consultant, designing the acoustics for spaces. This includes internal room acoustic design, as well as making sure noise intrusion and egress is properly mitigated. It’s important to create a space that is fit for its intended purpose, which doesn’t always mean putting in as much soft furnishings as you can manage, nor making sure the room is extremely quiet. A large, open space like a museum that feels like a recording studio can be off-putting. Background noise can be very useful to mask conversations in an open plan environment. So it’s important to think about and discuss with the client how the room is intended to be used by the patrons.

What Brought You to Charcoalblue

Working with likeminded people who have a strong passion for designing theatre and event spaces. Everyone has a rich background and wealth of knowledge that love to share their numerous stories from their past experiences in the industry. I grew up loving theatre and now I can influence the spaces of the future, whether they are new or refurbished.

What You Hope People Feel in a Space You’ve Worked On

Incorporating the acoustic and technical needs into the design of the space. This could be hiding the solution from plain sight so that no one knows how the magic happens. Or it could be making the solution so grand that it becomes part of the design as a feature within the space, something that all eyes are drawn to.

A Place That Shaped or Inspires You

I yearn for the Côte d’Azur. Being near and in the sea. The food and perfume influenced by the local fruit, herbs, and flowers.

What Are You Learning About Right Now

I’ve recently taken up knitting because I can’t find the clothes I think up in my mind in any shop, at least not for the quality and price I want.

Cultural Value That Inspires You to Go the Extra Mile

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion is an important way forward as a society and it’s important to design spaces that is considerate to a variety of needs, where everyone feels welcome. Therefore, it’s important to consider who is using the space and how the acoustics will affect the experience. How will background noise influence people in a neurodiverse society? Is the speech clear enough for people with hearing loss or have different auditory processing needs?