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.
Marion Marincat, Co-Founder & CEO Sownd Affects
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.
A standard that works in real life - not just on paper.
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.
Journey captured in a film documentary that won two Best Documentary awards in 2026 - ask us about the premiere!
Why Choose Sownd Certification
Clear, trusted benchmark for acoustic comfort.
Experience-led design that prioritises conversation and inclusion.
Low-admin standard that raises industry-wide acoustic quality.
Sownd Certification is grounded in human-centred design and holistic thinking, recognising that acoustics affect comfort, cognition, wellbeing and connection.
It's not about chasing perfect silence. It's about creating environments designed around how sound is actually felt - experienced in the body, not just measured in decibels.
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.
One Framework. Three Tiers.
Physics
Specify
Behaviour
Protect
Experience
LeadBut first, you have to get the physics right.
Two routes to Bronze
For 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.
For 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.
Ready to choose your route?
What do you get?
Both routes will receive:
Certification Report
For O&M documentation
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 and Built Spaces
Required FoundationSpecify 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.
Result: A spec-able, defensible baseline you can specify and hand over with confidence.
Credential: Framework tested and developed with ISVR - University of Southampton.
Audio Inclusive Leaders Start Here
From specification through operation, Sownd Affects provides a clear, defensible pathway to inclusive acoustic performance.
“
As Mayor of Hackney, I've always prided myself on our commitment to inclusion, but it wasn't until I learned about the impact of noise on the 30% of our community who are noise-sensitive that I realised we were failing them.
Caroline Woodley
Mayor of Hackney
“
Upgrading for Audio Inclusivity, we have had the best staff retention in 8 years. It's definitely something I'd apply to all venues and I'd recommend others do it too.
Rebecca Stevenson
Founder, Signorelli Bakery & Coffee Shops
“
As a direct result of implementing Audio Inclusivity methods, we've seen dwell times increase in public venues and huge improvements in both customer and staff satisfaction.
Emma Frost
Director of Innovation, LLDC
The future of the built environment isn't just seen. It's heard - and felt.
Set the standard. Specify inclusion. Deliver spaces that work.
- Founding Pioneer status and recognition - Limited to the first 20 organisations.
- Built-in National PR - Featured in Sownd Affects launch communications and case studies.
- Free 12 months noise tracking - For all founding partners.
- Be first in your sector - Establish your organisation as an inclusivity leader.