Acoustics in the workplace—particularly in the open office—has garnered a lot of attention in mainstream media lately. “It’s too loud to focus” and “I have no privacy” are common complaints lodged against the modern workplace, which is increasingly defined by activity-based design. When conducting charrettes and visioning sessions with clients, I always ask what is the “sound” of the office? Busy? Quiet? Clients often focus on aesthetics but a good design must also deliver optimum functionality and effective sound management.