Hilson Moran is one of the first five practices worldwide committing its head office to achieve Sownd Certification, the first independent standard for audio-inclusive buildings.
Launched on 28th April, the eve of International Noise Awareness Day, Sownd Certification marks a significant step forward in how sound is considered within the built environment. As a pioneer practice, Hilson Moran is at the forefront of this shift, strengthening our ability to support clients in creating spaces that are inclusive, comfortable and effective for everyone who uses them.
Advancing audio‑inclusive design
Developed by Sownd Affects, Sownd Certification provides an evidence‑based framework for addressing sound beyond basic regulatory compliance. Designed to be specified at RIBA Stages 1 and 2, it sits alongside established standards such as BREEAM, WELL and PAS 6463, enabling project teams to consider audio inclusivity from the earliest stages of design.
The certification operates across bronze, silver and gold tiers, allowing clients to adopt a scalable approach, from establishing an audio‑inclusive baseline through to advanced soundscaping, monitoring and inclusive technologies.
The certification reflects growing recognition that sound affects far more people than those with diagnosed hearing loss alone. Many people, including neurodivergent individuals and those with tinnitus, misophonia or ‘hidden hearing loss’, can experience noise in buildings very differently, even when established acoustic standards are met.
What Sownd Certification means for our clients
Achieving Pioneer status reflects Hilson Moran’s commitment to designing buildings that place people’s experience and comfort at the centre of performance. Sownd Certification strengthens and builds on our established acoustics expertise.
For us, acoustics goes beyond reducing noise. It is about shaping how people experience a space, and ensuring sound is considered alongside other key aspects of design from the outset.
Our acoustics team engages early to guide projects in the right direction, challenging conventional approaches and identifying opportunities to improve outcomes while avoiding unnecessary cost. Using advanced tools such as 3D acoustic modelling, virtual auralisation and computational simulation, we can predict how sound will behave before a building is constructed. This allows us to test design options, refine solutions and integrate acoustic strategies seamlessly with the wider design team.
