Bank Gains Acoustic Integrity in Modern Office Redesign

Financial Services Firm Balances Flexibility, Employees’ Acoustic Experience in Office Redesign

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Built EnvironmentBuilt Environment

Industry

Corporate Offices

Location

United States

A global banking client partnered with Cerami to implement a new acoustic framework that supports flexible, cost-effective office redesigns. By applying this framework to two Chicago-area buildings, Cerami ensured that the bank’s move toward demountable partitions and adaptable layouts did not compromise acoustic performance or employee comfort. From design guidance to detailed recommendations, Cerami balanced the client’s flexibility goals with critical needs for speech privacy, sound separation, and overall workplace experience.

Challenge

As the financial services firm redesigned its offices for greater flexibility and cost efficiency, the introduction of demountable partitions created significant acoustic challenges. Uncontrolled sound transfer and lack of speech privacy threatened employee focus, collaboration, and comfort. The firm needed a robust acoustic strategy that integrated seamlessly with its modern buildout to support diverse work modes while protecting speech confidentiality in both open and enclosed areas.

Solutions

Cerami worked closely with the client’s design and construction teams to identify and resolve potential acoustic issues early in the project. The team conducted detailed acoustic impact analyses, assessing how flexible partitions, gasketing, ceiling and wall finishes, furnishings, and sound masking systems would shape the overall acoustic experience. Targeted recommendations, including upgraded gasketing details, high-performance acoustic finishes, and well-planned sound masking, ensured adaptability did not come at the expense of acoustic integrity. Cerami also provided stakeholders with clear, practical guidelines so design choices aligned with measurable goals for privacy and employee comfort.

Services Performed

The team conducted an acoustic impact analysis for demountable partitions and adaptable layouts, ensuring flexibility without compromising sound quality. They provided full-spectrum consulting on material selection, finishes, and spatial design, and developed plans for sound masking and white noise systems to enhance workplace comfort. Stakeholders received education and training on performance targets and strategies, fostering informed decision-making. These efforts culminated in an integrated acoustic framework that supports adaptable workplace design while maintaining optimal acoustic performance.

Result

The Trinity team implemented acoustic strategies that improved speech privacy and noise control in both open and enclosed areas, reducing distractions and supporting employee focus. The solutions allowed for flexible space reconfiguration without degrading acoustic performance. These efforts also supported the client’s sustainability and wellness certification goals and helped position their workplace as progressive and employee-oriented.

Improved

Speech Privacy

Reduced

Future Build Costs

100%

Flexible Layouts

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