Ask Me Anything: Sounding Off with Aercoustics Associate Eric Salt
Q: What do you enjoy most about working in the area of acoustics engineering?
A: I love that it’s a field where you get to use both your technical and creative skills. It’s incredibly satisfying to know that the work we do can have a real impact on people’s lives, whether it’s creating a better environment for students to learn in or improving the sound in a concert hall so that people can enjoy their favourite music to the fullest.
Q: What do you enjoy most about working at Aercoustics?
A: Well, first of all, we have some of the smartest and most enthusiastic people in the business. I enjoy being part of a team that isn’t afraid to think outside the box and find approaches to tough acoustics engineering challenges. Plus, we have a lot of fun doing it! In addition to working with the Aercoustics team, I also value the opportunity to work closely with a diverse group of acoustics engineering disciplines on each project and ensuring the acoustic, noise and vibration are harmonized with broader design goals.
Q: What project are you most proud to have worked on?
A: I have had the pleasure to work on a number of incredible spaces with many great teams through my tenure at Aercoustics. A few notable ones for me include the Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital, Calgary Stampede’s SAM Centre, the McMaster Degroote McLean Centre for Collaborative Discovery, Canada’s first super-tall skyscraper “The One” and Maison de Radio-Canada in Montreal.
Q: What changes are happening in your industry in the near future?
A: One of the big challenges we are seeing in urban centres is the ever-shrinking inventory of undeveloped land available, and that land often resides near existing industry or road and rail lines. This presents a number of fun and unique challenges in our work in acoustics engineering which require innovative solutions, including incorporating vibration isolation into a foundation of buildings, managing the impact of construction on nearby structures and specifying appropriate façade elements to address the noise from neighbours.
Q: You’re now an Associate. How will that impact your work?
A: I will be even more involved in our clients’ projects, ensuring we are delivering best-in-class acoustics, noise and vibration services on every project. I’m excited to have the opportunity to take on a more active role in developing and supporting our talented team of professionals. By building a stronger team, we’ll be able to offer even more comprehensive and customized support to our clients, no matter how complex or unique their acoustic needs may be. I am honored to be a part of such a dedicated team of experts and can’t wait to see what kinds of wild and wonderful acoustic challenges come our way next.
Q: What hobbies do you pursue in your spare time?
A: With a young family at home, it is challenging to find time for hobbies. However, one I do enjoy is exploring the great outdoors. I love going on hikes, camping trips, and spending time at the cottage. It’s a wonderful way to escape the busyness of daily life and find time to reflect and recharge.
