Where Acoustics—and Music—Meets Design: Buro Happold Taps Frank Reder as U.S. Lead
With insights into acoustics and architecture — and music performance — Frank Reder has joined Buro Happold as their U.S. discipline lead. The addition brings a dedicated and nationally active expert resource in the art of acoustic design to complement the engineering consultancy’s team of over 40 acoustics specialists worldwide.
For his part, Reder offers a valuable perspective on the concepts and methods for creating the right level of acoustical performance across a wide variety of buildings and interior spaces — from the everyday to the extraordinary.
His discerning viewpoint on acoustics and design stems in part from his background as a jazz guitarist and largely from his work with the world’s leading architects and institutions. His recent projects have included the Obama Presidential Center, the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, the National Geographic auditorium, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, the Avenues World School in Shenzen, Central Park Tower, Comcast Technology Center, and TWA Flight Center Hotel at JFK Airport, as well as several Apple Stores and more.
Involved in all facets of acoustic consulting from sound transmission and privacy to reverberation and mechanical system noise, Reder also brings specialized knowledge of designing performance halls and recording studios — where acoustics plays a starring role. Reder stresses how acoustic design is a central element to sustainability, wellness, and inclusive design in architecture, best addressed with early and ongoing involvement.
“People are just getting smarter about acoustics — they expect better, and project teams are answering to higher aspirations from their clients and audiences,” says Reder. “Savvy design approaches include acoustics teams being involved throughout, from the very first project planning meeting. That’s so important to helping avoid downstream adjustments and to integrating solid principles for comprehensive and positive acoustical outcomes that really enhance sustainability and wellness.”
Before his recent appointment as associate principal and U.S. acoustics discipline lead at Buro Happold, Reder supported globally renowned architects, institutions and corporations on varied and often iconic projects. A musician who also enjoys chess and photography, Reder earned a BSE in acoustical engineering and music at the University of Hartford, and he has worked previously at Cerami, Walters-Storyk, and SH Acoustics.
