According to surveys by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), acoustic design is shifting from post-construction retrofitting to early-stage schematic design integration across commercial, educational and public building projects. More and more architecture firms are incorporating acoustic performance indicators into the initial design phase, rather than adding acoustic treatments as a supplementary measure after the main structure is completed.
This shift is reshaping the competitive landscape of the acoustic materials industry. Suppliers that can only provide standalone panel products are gradually being pushed out of the early design specification process, while suppliers with full product matrices, scenario-based solution design capabilities and acoustic simulation support are gaining more say in the specification chain. These partners work closely with architects at the schematic design stage to match appropriate acoustic systems based on space function, volume and aesthetic requirements, ensuring both performance and visual integrity.
Industry research institutions predict that by 2028, more than 60% of medium and high-end commercial and public building projects will complete acoustic scheme design at the schematic design stage. Acoustic material suppliers that can provide integrated design services will further expand their market share, and the industry will gradually transform from product-centric competition to solution-centric competition.
