SOWND WITH
STANDARDS
Sound designed around people - not just ideas. For real humans. For how sound is actually lived.
The #1 acoustic certification for the built environment
Creating better connection and experience in social spaces.
Gone are the days when crystal clear sound was just a 'nice to have'. When aesthetics trumped acoustics and background noise refused to stay in the background. Customers wiped out by noise, revenue sinking, staff bolting. Endless user complaints, all driven by spaces that ticked boxes without actually delivering audio inclusivity - environments that work for some ears, but quietly exclude many others.
Say goodbye to spaces that look cool on Instagram, but feel exhausting when you're in them.
Times are changing. If you aren't pursuing audible comfort and connection, you're about to be left behind.
Noisy spaces are having a detrimental impact on human behaviour.
of people will leave a restaurant if the sound is too stifling.
will be less productive at work due to noise.
have a daily challenge of being noise-sensitive.
The commercial loss is enormous - and so is the opportunity to challenge the status quo and maximise ROI.
We're leading that shift with Sownd Certification: the only way to prove that a space is comfortable, audio inclusive and compliant.
Because sound doesn't just fill a space - it shapes how people feel within it.
Built with ISVR Southampton
The Institute of Sound and Vibration Research (ISVR) at the University of Southampton is a leading centre for acoustic research and education, known for its work on sound, vibration, and human response to noise. Our framework was developed, tested and implemented with ISVR to ensure it's grounded in rigorous research and real-world application.
Evidence-led, human-centred, and designed to be specified.
Why become Sownd Certified?
Grounded in human-centred design and holistic thinking — not chasing perfect silence, but creating environments designed around how sound is actually felt.
Trusted acoustic benchmark
Clear, trusted benchmark for acoustic comfort.
Experience-led design
Experience-led design that prioritises conversation and inclusion.
Low-admin, high-impact standard
Low-admin standard that raises industry-wide acoustic quality.
Before
- Aesthetics trumped acoustics
- Background noise refused to stay in the background
- Customers wiped out, revenue sinking, staff bolting
- Spaces that ticked boxes but excluded many
After
- Comfortable, audio inclusive and compliant
- Human-centred design for how sound is actually felt
- Defensible baseline you can specify with confidence
- A clear route to Gold and enhanced experience for everyone
LIVE WEBINAR
Become an Audio Inclusive Leader
Join the webinar to find out how
Sound Affects founder, Marion, walks architects, acoustic consultants and material suppliers through how the framework works, how to apply it, and what to do next. Live Q&A included.
The journey so far
From Founding Pilots to Industry Standard
Proved
Founding Pilots
Arts Council-funded Hackney pilots, developed with the University of Southampton.
Certifying
First Three Pioneer Practices
Oscar Acoustics, DMFK and Hilson Moran - the first specifying practices to bring projects through the certification.
In progress
Achieving 50 Pioneers
The first 50 Sownd Certified businesses, announced at our Parliament event at the end of 2026.
How does it work?
Bronze
The acoustic foundations you need to become a reputable sound comfort leader.
Silver
Elevate your acoustic baseline with operational excellence.
Gold
Multi-sensory alignment for a truly inclusive acoustic environment.
But first? You have to get the physics right.
Two routes to Bronze
The Integrated Route
3-4 weeksFor projects using an approved acoustic partner or product.
- 1An acoustic consultant specifies what treatment you need by following our framework.
- 2Our approved partner installs the acoustic solution.
- 3The project receives Bronze Sownd Certification and digital directory listing.
Approved partner
The Independent Route
4-6 weeksFor spaces with existing acoustic treatment or a non-approved product.
- 1Apply for your Bronze assessment.
- 2We visit to measure your space and document our findings.
- 3We carry out our Sownd framework analysis and apply recommendations (where applicable).
- 4The project receives Bronze certification and digital directory listing.
What do you get?
Both routes will receive:
Certification Report
Full acoustic assessment for your O&M documentation
Physical & Digital Bronze Certification Plaque
With QR code for instant verification
Public Directory Listing
Featured on sownd.co.uk
Evidence-Based Proof
Your space works for noise-sensitive people
A clear route to Gold and enhanced experience for everyone.
THREE TIERS. ONE OUTCOME.
One framework. One standard. One shared commitment to better sound.
Physics
SpecifyPhysics and Built Spaces
Specify it. Prove it. Verify it.
Verification
Defensible targets and pass/fail proof (verified Bronze).
Documentation
Evidence pack for O&M, tender confidence, and due diligence.
Experience Outcome
A spec-able baseline for human comfort and focus.
The result:
A spec-able, defensible baseline you can specify and hand over with confidence.
Credential: Framework tested and developed with ISVR - University of Southampton.
Behaviour
ProtectBehaviour and Noise
Protect the baseline. Prevent drift after handover.
Verification
No-drift operations (Silver) to maintain the verified baseline.
Documentation
Operational guidance for music/AV, equipment, doors, peaks, and staff behaviours.
Experience Outcome
Prevent acoustic drift that triggers complaints and exclusion.
The result:
Performance protected in day-to-day operation, reducing post-occupancy risk.
Credential: Training modules developed with noise-sensitive communities.
Experience
LeadExperience Leaders
Optimise the journey. Lead the standard.
Verification
Distinctive experience (Gold) beyond compliance and verification.
Documentation
Zoning, transitions, refuge options, and user control built into the journey.
Experience Outcome
Clear differentiation and fewer post-occupancy issues.
The result:
A calm, choice-rich experience that positions the project as an audio-inclusive leader.
Credential: Delivered with the first Pioneer practices in our programme.
LIVE WEBINAR
Become an Audio Inclusive Leader
Join the webinar to find out how
Sound Affects founder, Marion, walks architects, acoustic consultants and material suppliers through how the framework works, how to apply it, and what to do next. Live Q&A included.