Sound Design
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Henderson Engineers 2025
After 14+ years at Sound Planning Associates, I have made a big change to my career. (not that big) In May of 2025 I will begin my new role as a Lead AV Consultant at Henderson Engineers. This removes my sales roles and focuses my time to supporting a large engineering firm in AV systems design and support within the staff.
Having a couple colleagues already there made this transition appealing. I look forward to sharing more once things get rolling.
Sound Design
Sound Planning 2010-2025
I have been making places sound good since the 1990s. I started working for a company that mostly did worship sound systems in churches and synagogues. I also did systems in the Field Museum (all the speakers in Stanley Field Hall) and several outdoor sporting fields. This means of making money while I was playing in a band was turning into a career by the late 90s.
I was VP of Sales & Systems Design at Sound Planning Associates, Inc. . for 15 years. We specialized in sound and AV for worship, theaters, schools and corporate facilities. The image at the top of the page is from an acoustic study I built for St. Clement Parish in Chicago. This shows the predicted STI (speech transmission index) for the speakers in the audience areas. I use EASE to test and verify the sound reinforcement system and its impact on the room acoustics. This application is somewhat of a pain to use, but it is so helpful in systems design. I use it for every project and over the years of use I could build the models very quickly.
Where Being a Musician Became a Career in Sound
Where Physics and Art Meet
Immersing myself in designing sound systems became a passion while trying to be a successful musician and songwriter. I was surprised to learn how much acoustics and music were paired. Mixing and recording forced my curiosities and interest in the technologies and acoustics. Nobody is going to remember me for my band projects, but I have left lasting impressions in sound system designs.
Learning the skills of how to deliver great sound while minimizing the destructive impacts with in a challenging acoustic space like a house of worship is a never ending process. I learn something new in every project I am involved with.
With my new role at Henderson Engineers, I will be applying what I have learned to sports arenas, stadiums and other facilities. Another benefit is working with younger designers to coach them on this journey.
