Project Challenge

This 950㎡ independent graphic design studio in downtown Toronto uses an entirely open-plan layout with designer workstations, critique areas and glass meeting rooms. Polished concrete floors, exposed ceiling services and extensive glass create long reverberation times and noticeable cross-team sound leakage. Designers reported frequent distractions during deep creative work, while client critique sessions in glass rooms lacked speech privacy. The studio prioritizes sustainable design and B Corp certification, so the solution had to use low-carbon recycled materials with matte low-reflection finishes to avoid screen glare.

Our Solution

100% post-consumer recycled polyester fiber acoustic panels were installed on partition walls, structural columns and non-monitor facing walls throughout the studio, with a stable NRC rating of 0.85–0.95. The formaldehyde-free, ultra-low VOC formulation supports the studio’s indoor air quality and sustainability targets, contributing to their B Corp impact assessment. We selected a matte warm grey finish with low light reflectivity to avoid screen glare for designers. Glass meeting room interiors were lined with matching fabric-faced polyester panels to improve internal speech clarity and reduce sound transmission through glass gaps.

All materials carry ASTM E84 Class A fire certification and are available in custom colors matched to studio branding. Lightweight modular installation was carried out in evening shifts over 9 days with no disruption to client project work.

Project Results

Cross-team sound interference was reduced by an estimated 39%, and designer deep-work focus satisfaction scores increased by 35%. Meeting room speech privacy now meets client confidentiality requirements, and the recycled material specification helped the studio advance its B Corp recertification process.