We are acoustical consultants specializing in room acoustics, sound isolation, and mechanical noise control for workplaces, performance spaces, houses of worship, and a wide range of building types.

Spaces that perform

Acoustics is essential to the places where we live, learn, work, gather, and experience the arts.

Through thoughtful design and careful coordination, we create environments where sound is enhanced and noise is controlled. Spaces where people can focus on communicating, learning, performing, and connecting, without thinking about the building around them.

A well designed space does more than function.

It performs.

Acoustical Consulting Services

Modelling the interaction of sound and rooms.

Our room acoustical analysis services examine how sound performs within a space to support its intended function. We evaluate key factors such as reverberation time (RT60), low‑frequency modal response, and the influence of room geometry and finishes, helping identify issues that affect speech clarity or musical quality.

Using 3‑D acoustic modeling and auralization, we predict and demonstrate how design choices will sound before they are built. This approach allows us to design spaces for goals such as good speech intelligibility in learning and meeting environments, or balanced acoustics for musical rehearsal and performance.

Modelling loudspeaker systems and the room environment.

Our electro‑acoustical analysis services focus on the interaction between loudspeaker systems and the rooms they serve. We assess how room geometry, finishes, and reverberation time (RT60) influence loudspeaker coverage, clarity, and tonal balance, identifying issues such as uneven sound distribution, or poor direct‑to‑reverberant ratios.

Through 3-D modeling and simulations, we evaluate loudspeaker placement, aiming, and performance within the architectural space. This integrated approach supports design goals such as high speech intelligibility in presentation and public address environments, or clear, natural reinforcement for music in performance and worship spaces.

On-site measurement to support design and compliance.

Our acoustical testing services provide objective, on‑site measurements to verify performance and support code or contract compliance. We measure background sound levels, reverberation time, airborne sound insulation of partitions (ASTC), and impact sound insulation (AIIC) using recognized industry standards.

These results help confirm that spaces meet design criteria and regulatory requirements, and provide clear documentation for project closeout, dispute resolution, or remedial design.

Mechanical noise review and mitigation design.

Our mechanical noise control services address noise and vibration from HVAC and building systems that can negatively impact interior acoustic comfort. We review system designs and layouts, and conduct on‑site measurements to evaluate noise levels, tonal components, and transmission paths affecting occupied spaces.

Based on this analysis, we develop practical mitigation strategies such as equipment selection guidance, duct treatments, silencers, and vibration isolation. Our goal is to reduce intrusive mechanical noise and help interior environments meet comfort criteria.

Evaluation of building assemblies providing sound isolation.

Our architectural sound isolation review services evaluate how building assemblies limit sound transmission between spaces. We assess walls, floors, ceilings, doors, and detailing to predict airborne and impact sound performance relative to code requirements, environmental guidelines, or specific owner criteria.

Through drawing review and performance analysis, we identify potential weaknesses and recommend assembly configurations or enhancements to achieve the required level of isolation. This process supports acoustical privacy, occupant comfort, and compliance across uses such as residential, commercial, institutional, and mixed‑use buildings.

Start to finish: our process.

01 Preliminary Design

During schematic design, we define project‑specific performance goals and set a clear direction for the design team. We review early plans, space planning, and system concepts to identify potential acoustic issues related to noise, reverberation, or sound transmission, ensuring that acoustical considerations are incorporated from the outset of the project.

02 Detailed Design

During detailed design, we refine and implement project‑specific requirements as the architecture and building systems are developed. We review detailed drawings and specifications for room finishes, architectural assemblies, and mechanical systems, and provide specific design input to achieve the required acoustical performance as the project moves toward construction.

03 Construction Support

During construction, we ensure that design intent is properly executed in the field. We review acoustically related shop drawings, submittals, and material data for compliance with project requirements, and conduct on‑site visits to observe construction of critical acoustical elements, identifying potential issues early and supporting successful acoustic performance upon completion.

04 Verification Testing

At project completion, we do acoustical testing to verify that the finished spaces meet established performance targets and project requirements. We do objective, on‑site measurements to assess conditions such as background noise, reverberation, and sound isolation, and document results for comparison with design criteria, codes, or contractual obligations, supporting project closeout and confirming successful acoustic performance.

Trusted by Our Clients.

“One of the most meaningful changes is that our worship pastor no longer has to lead every moment from the mic. They can step back and the congregation’s voices rise to fill the space, carrying the entire worship experience in a way that feels natural, powerful, and shared.”

Malcolm Billing, The Well Community Church

“OCTAV is by far one of the most competent and professional acoustical firms we’ve worked with. Their ability to work alongside our team and with our clients has been a godsend.”

David Price, Avenue Systems

“OCTAV has a gift for clearly communicating complicated concepts and measurements, offering simple takeaways. It’s not padded with gobbledygook to sound impressive – and I appreciate the brilliance that requires!”

Bob Breen, Armor Pro Audio Visual

“John and the OCTAV team are great to work with, the perfect mix of professional and easy going. We have worked together on several projects and the collaboration was very successful. They are skilled in audio and acoustics and I highly recommend them.”

Daryl Yakielashek, VWMason Technology Consultants

Meet our team who makes it happen.

Anil Joshi

Senior Acoustical Engineer

Anil Joshi (MASc., P.Eng.) is a Senior Acoustical Engineer at OCTAV. He comes to OCTAV with over 13 years of experience in acoustical consulting with a specialization in building acoustics including residential dwellings, healthcare facilities, educational facilities, offices, and places of worship. Anil oversees our acoustical consulting services. He holds a professional engineering license and consulting engineering designation from the Professional Engineers of Ontario. Outside of work, Anil is an avid amateur musician who loves playing the guitar and singing.

Gem Lee-Herder

Business Development

Gem is a co-founder of Octav and leads the business development efforts for the company. With 20 years of experience across diverse sectors such as education, healthcare, and settlement, Gem integrates cross-sector insights and systems thinking to identify new growth opportunities and build lasting client relationships. Focused on creating value-driven, human-centered solutions, Gem works to expand the company’s reach while ensuring that all initiatives are grounded in real-world impact and excellence.

As an Executive MBA candidate at Ivey business school, Gem combines entrepreneurial acumen with a passion for fostering inclusive, innovative solutions and company culture that enhance both business and community outcomes.

Heidi Tratnik

Controller

Heidi Tratnik (CPA, CGA) acts as Controller for OCTAV. Her accounting practice fulfills the Controller function and offers internal accounting support for companies across Canada. With over 15 years of experience in companies from a variety of industries, she is focused on helping entrepreneurs turn their vision into a sustainable business. Having worked with John and OCTAV from its early days, she is excited to be a part of this thriving business.

John Herder

Design Principal

John Herder (MSc. Architectural Acoustics, CTS-D) is the founder and Design Principal of acoustics & audio-visual at OCTAV. He has worked on varied projects across Canada and the United States, and specializes in interior acoustical modeling & design, sound isolation analysis & prediction, and loudspeaker modeling, design, and optimization. He earned his Master’s degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, and has additional degrees in electro-acoustic music composition and audio engineering. John enjoys teaching about acoustics and audio systems design and has lectured at the Ontario Institute of Audio Recording Technology (OIART) in London and Metalworks Institute in Mississauga.

John enjoys playing the piano and synths, singing, and recording music with others. Whenever possible, he loves to travel with his family and “live like locals” in different global destinations.

Vivek Shankar

Acoustic & Systems Engineer

Vivek Shankar (MASc. Mechanical Engineering, PEng, CTS) is an Acoustic & Systems Engineer at OCTAV. He has a wide range of experience researching and consulting in architectural noise & vibration, and environmental acoustics, with specialization in computational acoustic analysis. Vivek is also a proficient technical and scientific programmer, having developed web-based software tools to aid Toronto’s leading acoustic consultants in solving complex acoustical challenges. Vivek oversees acoustic engineering, control systems design & programming, AV networking, and broadcast video systems. Outside of his professional role, Vivek is an avid photographer and leather restorer.

Meet our team who makes it happen.