Dawn R. Schuette, AIA has joined Scott D. Pfeiffer and Carl P. Giegold, AIA as a principal of Threshold Acoustics, bringing together aggregate experience that includes some of the most aurally compelling performing arts and studio projects of the last decade.
Schuette's most recent project, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in suburban Atlanta, opened to acclaim earlier this month. Her experience prior to joining Threshold also includes the Holland Performing Arts Center in Omaha and Pressure Point Recording Studios, Harpo Studios, and WBEZ Studios, all in Chicago. At Threshold, she is involved in the design of the new Media Production Center for Columbia College Chicago, which is the first new construction project undertaken by the college.
Threshold's approach to acoustics consulting emphasizes reinforcing the visual realm with the subtlety, variety, and even surprise that an awareness of the aural realm can bring to the built environment. Beyond its core practice in cultural and religious buildings, Threshold applies its expertise to more diverse areas which affect people on a daily basis: helping communities develop noise ordinances that more capably address the many sources of urban noise; working to improve school environments for all students, particularly the hearing impaired; and bringing an acknowledgment of the aural environment to the LEED building certification process.
By working through the AIA and other professional organizations and by lecturing in academia, the principals are seeking to increase awareness of the vast design possibilities offered by the aural environment.