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Overview
Noise in modern workplaces is more than a distraction. It affects productivity, wellbeing, and how people use a space. In the latest episode of Inside Interiors, Adam Rangeley, cofounder of dbsorb Acoustic Solutions, explains how his team approaches acoustic solutions as a design, engineering, and sustainability challenge. From early-stage consultation with architects to mechanical, glue-free installation, dbsorb creates systems that are tailored, reusable, and built to perform. Designers and architects will come away with practical insights on integrating acoustics into their projects, improving space function, and thinking about long-term impact.
Why Should Designers Consider Acoustics from Day One?
Adam Rangeley emphasises that acoustic performance should be included at the earliest stage of any project. “Earlier the better, 100%,” he says. This approach avoids costly retrofits after a space is complete and ensures that sound is integrated into the overall design vision.
Many workplaces only recognise the need for acoustics after employees are distracted or stressed. Rangeley explains, “we had so much inquiry for that retrofit after the space was built and designed and people had moved in.”
For designers and architects, this means treating acoustic planning like any other critical building service. It is not just about putting panels on walls. It is about shaping how spaces function.
How Do dbsorb Acoustic Solutions Work Without Glue?
dbsorb does not just sell panels. They engineer systems designed to suit each space. A key innovation is their glue-free mounting system called ReadyClip™.
This allows panels to be removed, reused, or recycled without damaging the surface or the material.
“You can take the acoustics off, you can move with them, reuse them, or we can take them back and recycle them,” explains Rangeley.
For designers, this means acoustic installations can adapt with changing spaces and tenant requirements, supporting sustainability goals and reducing waste. It also simplifies the installation process. Pre-cut panels, CNC precision, and mechanical fixings reduce time on-site and improve the finished quality.
What Are the Risks of Poor Acoustic Installation?
Rangeley shares practical lessons from past projects that highlight the importance of proper installation and thoughtful design. Early on, dbsorb experienced panels falling from ceilings due to reliance on glue. “After that project we thought we cannot rely on glue, we have to go mechanical,” he recalls.
This reinforces the value of design thinking that considers materials, installation, and long-term performance. Acoustics is both a technical and creative challenge, requiring collaboration between the design team and manufacturers from the beginning.
How Does Good Acoustics Affect People in a Space?
Good acoustics do more than reduce noise. They change how people behave in a space. Rangeley points out, “If you walk into a space, you cannot hear the person that you are talking to, you do not stay so long. So that costs the cafe, costs the restaurant money.”
In offices, effective acoustics increase focus and reduce stress. In hospitality, they can improve dwell time and customer satisfaction. Acoustic design becomes a tool for shaping experience and function, not just aesthetics.
How Can Designers Integrate Sustainability into Acoustic Projects?
dbsorb approaches sustainability through circular design, engineering panels to be reused, reconfigured, or recycled. This reflects a growing expectation in interior projects where designers must specify materials with lifecycle impact in mind.
With ReadyClip™ and carefully selected materials, dbsorb allows designers to meet sustainability goals without compromising performance or aesthetics.
How Can Architects and Designers Make the Most of Acoustic Solutions?
This episode provides a clear message for designers and architects: acoustics should be part of the design conversation from the start. dbsorb demonstrates that acoustic solutions can be engineered, sustainable, and visually integrated while improving the way spaces work for the people who use them.
If you want to hear the full conversation with Adam Rangeley and get more practical insights on workplace acoustic design, check out the podcast episode here or wherever you listen to Inside Interiors.
