Challenge

Protecting speech privacy in a law firm full of glass offices 

Norman, Hanson & DeTroy, a premier law firm and among the largest in northern New England, needed to find new office space that would accommodate their growing business as well as allow the firm to create a more open environment, letting in natural light where all personnel would have access to outside facing windows.

Leveraging more innovative design practices allowed Norman, Hanson & DeTroy to create an efficient workspace with the ability to foster a greater connection among employees and clients, however, it also presented major acoustical challenges for the firm.

The main concern was the use of glass walls in the private offices and conference rooms, and the impact it would have on privacy – critical to any law firm.

Norman, Hanson & DeTroy consulted with Connectivity Point Design and Installation about introducing sound masking – the process of adding a low level, unobtrusive background sound to an environment to reduce the intelligibility of human speech and reduce noise distractions. By making nearby conversations unintelligible, sound masking protects speech privacy and allows individuals to work more productively by reducing noise distractions.

“Our biggest concern with the new design of our office space was protecting our clients’ privacy. With the sound masking system running, nearby conversations are less intelligible. We are very pleased with the effectiveness of the QtPro system and highly recommend sound masking as a solution to speech privacy.” – Lorri Hall, Service Manager Norman, Hanson & DeTroy

Solution

Norman, Hanson & DeTroy installed Cambridge Sound Management’s cost effective QtPro 600™ sound masking system to accommodate the acoustical requirements of their 20,000 square foot space. Small, barely visible emitters (speakers) were installed in the ceiling tiles throughout the entire space including open office staff work stations, conference rooms and private offices. The installation was easy, and completed within a day prior to the staff moving into the new space.

Result

A more pleasant work environment

Not only has Norman, Hanson & DeTroy been able to create greater privacy in the private office and conference rooms, but they also have a more pleasant work environment with fewer distractions in open office areas as well.

About Norman, Hanson & DeTroy
Norman, Hanson & DeTroy, LLC is one of Maine’s most respected law firms and among the largest in northern New England.

About Biamp
Biamp® is a leading provider of innovative, networked media systems that power the world’s most sophisticated audiovisual installations. The company is recognized worldwide for delivering high-quality products and backing each one with a commitment to exceptional customer service.

Recipient of the Frost & Sullivan 2018 Global Installed Audio Conferencing Enabling Technology Leadership Award, Biamp is dedicated to creating products that drive the evolution of communication through sight and sound. The award-winning Biamp product suite includes: Tesira® media system for digital audio and video networking, Devio® collaboration tool for modern workplaces, Audia® digital audio platform, Nexia® digital signal processors, Vocia® networked public address and voice evacuation system, Cambridge® sound masking solutions, and loudspeakers for installed sound applications from Community Loudspeakers® and Apart Audio®. Each has its own specific feature set that can be customized and integrated in a wide range of applications, including corporate boardrooms, conference centers, huddle rooms, open floor environments, performing arts venues, courtrooms, hospitals, transportation hubs, campuses, retail, hospitality, military and government, and multi-building facilities.

Founded in 1976, Biamp is headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, USA, with additional offices around the globe. For more information on Biamp, please visit www.biamp.com.

About Connectivity Point
Connectivity Point Design and Installation specializes in infrastructure for voice, data, video, sound masking, and security applications.