About
Firm Profile
Thorbahn Acoustics Inc., based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is an acoustical consulting firm serving clients throughout Eastern Canada. We specialize in building acoustics and noise control, applying a combination of scientific expertise and practical experience to improve the sounds of spaces across our region. Our work supports all building types from schools and offices to residential and performance spaces, ranging in size from small renovations to large scale building developments and public infrastructure projects, ensuring they meet both functional and acoustical requirements.
Using fully calibrated equipment and state-of-the-art analysis tools, we collaborate with architects, designers, contractors, building owners, and property managers to address acoustical challenges. We provide straightforward, practical recommendations for sound isolation, noise control, and acoustic performance, integrating these solutions into the design and construction process to help projects achieve their intended results.
Thorbahn Acoustics Inc. is a proud member of the National Council of Acoustical Consultants (NCAC) and adheres to the NCAC Canon of Ethics. We do not supply or install materials, or hold affiliations with any product manufacturer. As independent acoustical consultants, we provide unbiased assessments and are committed to identifying the most appropriate solutions and providing the best value for each project and client.
Founder
Jeremy Thorbahn is the Founder and Principal Consultant of Thorbahn Acoustics Inc., bringing over a decade of experience as an acoustician and physicist to high-profile projects across Canada and internationally. Recognized for his expertise and leadership, Jeremy has served as an advisor for the 2023 and 2024 WELL Sound Concept Advisory with the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), contributing to global advancements in healthy, sustainable building design.
Throughout his career, Jeremy has held key positions at leading consulting firms in Ottawa, the Greater Toronto Area, and Halifax. Notably, during his tenure at Thornton Tomasetti Canada Inc., he established and grew the company’s presence in Atlantic Canada, ultimately serving as Senior Project Director for acoustics, noise, and vibration services in the region. Building on this foundation, Jeremy launched Thorbahn Acoustics Inc. to deliver forward-thinking, client-centered acoustical consulting solutions and to expand the availability of acoustical expertise in the region.
Jeremy combines deep technical knowledge with a passion for collaboration. He works seamlessly with architects, engineers, developers, and building owners to create innovative yet practical solutions that elevate acoustic environments. His expertise spans all facets of building acoustics, including sound isolation, speech privacy, HVAC noise control, vibration isolation, and room acoustic design for diverse spaces such as multimedia facilities, performing arts venues, offices, and education environments.
Jeremy holds a Master of Science in Physics from Dalhousie University and is an active member of the Canadian Acoustical Association, the National Council of Acoustical Consultants, and ASTM Committee E33 on Building and Environmental Acoustics, staying at the forefront of industry standards and best practices.
Jeremy’s passion for acoustics is deeply rooted in his family history. He plays a handcrafted violin made by his great-great-great-grandfather, Carl Frederick Thorbahn—a noted music professor, orchestra conductor, and violin builder. This legacy of craftsmanship, creativity, and appreciation for sound continues to inspire Jeremy’s work in acoustical design today.
Jeremy’s ability to quickly identify the root causes of acoustical issues and his dedication to delivering tailored, high-performance acoustic solutions has earned him a reputation as a trusted partner on projects requiring both technical excellence and creative problem-solving.
Services
Sound Isolation
Airborne and impact sound isolation between rooms, achieving requirements for residential building codes, speech privacy in offices, and strict security standards for government buildings.
Room Acoustics
Analysis, modeling and testing of a room’s acoustical characteristics to assess the need for acoustic treatments to optimize speech intelligibility, recording quality or music apprecation.
Noise and Vibration Control
Noise control and vibration isolation for mechanical equipment, duct-borne HVAC noise analysis, and design of enclosures for mechanical and electrical rooms to reduce noise transmission to adjacent spaces.
Testing and Investigations
Testing and investigations in existing buildings for all acoustic, noise and vibration issues including Sound Transmission Class (STC), Noise Isolation Class (NIC), Speech Privacy Class (SPC), Reverberation Time (RT60), Noise Criteria (NC) and others.
LEED and WELL Certifications
Design support for meeting the acoustical rating requirements of programs such as LEED v4 and the WELL Building Standard to guide project teams towards certification.