BABICHacoustics

11/02/2026

RDCollab is proud to be part of the team recognized with the 2026 Excellence in Lighting Award for Exterior Lighting from the Electric League of Western PA for Church of the Ascension!

Congratulations to Lam Partners, LaFace & McGovern, and the entire team on this well-deserved recognition! The lighting brings out the beauty and detail of the historic stonework, makes the new entry plaza feel warm and welcoming, and turns the glass entrance into a standout feature that honors the church’s history while showcasing the new addition.

PROJECT TEAM:
Lighting Design: Lam Partners
Lighting Agency: LaFace & McGovernn
Architect: RDCollab
Construction Manager: Jendoco Construction Corporation
Structural Engineer: Atlantic Engineering Services
MEP/FP Engineer: WNA Engineering, Inc.
Civil Engineer: KAG Engineering, PLLC
Landscape Architect: LBA Landscape Architecture
Acoustician: BABICHacoustics
Custom Doors: Arimoto Design & Woodworking

Project Photos: Ed Massery
Event Group Photo: Ken L***r Photography

11/02/2026

Happy 5-year anniversary to Annie Hirsh!

November 1 marked five years of Annie being part of the BABICHacoustics team! Annie's acoustics & vibration technical expertise, attention to detail, and dedication make her an important part of everything we do. We appreciate the knowledge, dedication, and positive attitude she brings to the team every day.

Thank you for all you do, Annie! We're lucky to have you!

10/31/2026

Creaky floors.
Mysterious echoes.
Bumps in the night.
Perfect for Halloween.
Not so perfect for everyday spaces.

Wishing you a fun, festive and just-spooky-enough Halloween from BABICHacoustics!

10/29/2026

10/28/2026

Sometimes the problem isn’t the wall. It’s everything around it.

Sound can travel through openings and around assemblies because of these flanking paths. Plumbing, ductwork, electrical conduits, outlets, lights and other penetrations can compromise an otherwise well-designed wall or floor-ceiling assembly.

Our latest blog reviews the details of an STC-rated assembly. The way a building is constructed impacts whether these STC ratings can be achieved.
https://www.babichacoustics.com/sounds/stc-ratings

10/23/2026

Jeff and Martin took BABICHacoustics on the road last week for SWaMfest 2026, an event for small businesses to connect with projects serving the universities and public sector in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

It was a great opportunity to connect with fellow professionals, meet new faces, and share our passion for acoustical design and engineering. We enjoyed the conversations, new connections, and energy throughout the event.

We look forward to additional collaboration and supporting projects in Virginia.

10/21/2026

Q: Can landscaping help reduce outdoor noise?

A: Not as much as you might think. While trees and vegetation can provide visual screening and may influence how people perceive a noise source, landscaping alone typically provides limited measurable noise reduction. Effective outdoor noise control often relies on factors such as distance, site orientation, terrain, robust noise barriers, and/or thoughtful placement of noise-generating equipment rather than landscaping.

10/19/2026

Designing a performance venue for its intended programming is vital for the success of that venue. Whether an auditorium is to be used primarily for orchestral performances, amplified concerts, or everything in between, it is important that the acoustical design accommodates the intended uses.

With acousticians that are also musicians, BABICHacoustics works with our clients to design the best acoustic space possible for their needs.

Learn more about our work with performing arts spaces on our website. https://www.babichacoustics.com/studios-theaters

10/15/2026

BABICHacoustics completed an acoustical evaluation of a black box theater in Waller Hall at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Used for plays, operas, and musicals, the space was experiencing strong sound reflections that impacted clarity. The goal of this project was to enhance the listening experience for both performers and audiences alike.

Learn more about it on our website: https://www.babichacoustics.com/iup-waller-hall-theater

10/13/2026

Meeting code doesn’t always mean meeting expectations.

For walls and floors between dwelling units, the International Building Code requires an STC of 50 in laboratory testing or 45 when measured in the field. But those numbers represent minimum requirements.

The appropriate sound isolation target depends on how a space will actually be used. A condominium, medical exam room or residence located above a restaurant may require a very different level of acoustic performance.

Jeff takes a closer look at choosing realistic acoustic targets in our latest blog:
https://www.babichacoustics.com/sounds/stc-ratings