Best Sound Design Consulting Services in the UK

‍United Kingdom Sound Design Consultants

This curated feature highlights trusted UK-based sound design consultants known for combining technical expertise, creative vision, and proven client results. These are not ranked, but selected for their research-backed methods, real-world outcomes, and deep local presence.

Methodology: How We Chose These United Kingdom‑based Sound Design Consulting Services

We only feature agencies that meet these criteria:

📊 Research-driven: Firms with published frameworks, case studies, or industry recognition.

💬 Client-reviewed: Backed by client testimonials and ROI-based case examples.

📍 Location-based: Headquartered or primarily operating in the UK with UK-based leadership.

UK-Based Sound Designers - Provider Spotlights

Soundcuts Ltd

‍What they do:

‍Soundcuts is a full-service audio studio offering sound design, voice production, music, and implementation for games, film, TV, trailers, and immersive media. They are known for blending creative audio storytelling with disciplined production pipelines.

Who they work with:‍

AAA and indie game developers, film studios, streaming platforms, and immersive experience creators.

Operating model:‍

Soundcuts offers flexible engagement, either acting as a full in-house audio department or as a plug-in partner for specific deliverables.

💡 Why they stand out:

• 🎮 Award-winning production pipeline, Led by a BAFTA and TIGA award-winning audio director with 100+ titles shipped.
  
• 🤝 Deep client integration,  Frequently embedded within client teams, ensuring seamless communication and alignment.
  
• 🧩 Modular services, Offers full-suite or component-based audio services tailored to project needs, from VO casting to implementation.

Adele Cutting, Founder, Company Director & Audio Director of Soundcuts Ltd

Adele launched Soundcuts in 2011 after a decade working in-house at EA and other major game studios. Known for her storytelling instincts and exacting technical standards, she’s directed audio for major titles across genres. Her leadership emphasizes collaborative creativity, precise delivery, and cross-disciplinary fluency, making her a go-to figure in game audio

Noise Fusion

‍What they do:‍

Noise Fusion specializes in audio branding, sound design, and music production for broadcast media, including radio, TV, and digital platforms. They create sonic identities that blend original music, imaging, and sound effects tailored for media brands.

Who they work with:‍

Broadcasters, media groups, commercial radio stations, and digital streaming platforms.

Operating model: 

‍Combining traditional analogue sound design techniques with cutting-edge digital production, Noise Fusion crafts sonic brands that are both timeless and modern.

💡 Why they stand out:

• 🎧 Award-winning sound branding, Multiple Sony Radio Academy Awards affirm their excellence in radio imaging and sound design.
  
• 📚 Innovative sound libraries,  Their proprietary “Ultra” effects and imaging library is used internationally by major radio brands.
  
• 🔧 Hybrid analogue-digital expertise, A unique approach mixing vintage gear and modern tech to create distinctive audio textures.

Ben Neidle, Founder & Creative Director of Noise Fusion

Ben Neidle founded Noise Fusion in 2004 after a celebrated career in radio production and imaging, including time at XFM. Known for his innovative sound branding, Ben has led the creation of some of the UK’s most recognized radio sonic identities. His leadership blends creative boldness with deep technical knowledge.

Experience Studios

‍What they do: 

Experience Studios crafts immersive audio experiences and soundscapes for VR, AR, gaming, and branded content. Their work spans sound design, spatial audio, voiceovers, and interactive audio solutions.

Who they work with:‍

Gaming companies, immersive tech startups, DTC brands focusing on experiential marketing, and cultural institutions.

Operating mode:

‍A boutique studio approach that emphasizes collaboration with clients to build deeply immersive, interactive sound environments that engage audiences across platforms.

💡 Why they stand out:

• 🌐 Pioneers in spatial audio, Early adopters of VR/AR audio technologies, pushing the boundaries of immersive sound.
  
• 🎨 Cross-industry collaboration, Working seamlessly across gaming, marketing, and cultural sectors to deliver tailored sonic experiences.
  
• 🛠️ Client-centric agile workflows, Flexible project management focused on iterative feedback and bespoke sound creation.

Mark Murphy, Co-founder & Director of Experience Studios

Mark Murphy founded Experience Studios with a vision to elevate sound as a core part of immersive storytelling. With a background in audio post-production and interactive media, Mark is recognized for his expertise in spatial sound design and his collaborative, client-focused leadership style.

Kevin Luckhurst, Co-Founder & Director of Experience Studios

Kevin Luckhurst is a seasoned audio engineer and technical specialist with deep expertise in audio software development and interactive sound systems. At Experience Studios, he focuses on delivering technically robust, scalable audio solutions that enhance immersive experiences while ensuring high production quality.

Sounds Like These

‍What they do:

Sounds Like These is a creative sound design and audio branding agency delivering bespoke audio identities, soundscapes, and sonic logos for brands, media, and experiential projects. Their work blends cutting-edge technology with artistic storytelling to craft unique, memorable sound experiences.

Who they work with:‍

Brands across DTC, entertainment, digital media, and experiential sectors looking to develop distinct sonic branding and immersive audio content.

Operating model:

‍A collaborative, multidisciplinary team approach that integrates creative sound design, composition, and technical innovation to tailor audio solutions perfectly matched to brand goals.

💡 Why they stand out:

• 🎼 Innovative sonic branding, Known for crafting original, strategic audio identities that resonate emotionally with target audiences.
  
• 🤖 Tech-forward creativity, Incorporate emerging sound tech and AI tools to expand creative possibilities without losing artistic integrity.
  
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Collaborative team dynamic, Multi-founder leadership brings diverse expertise in sound design, composition, and audio technology for holistic solutions.
  

Joseph Connor, Co-Founder & Head of Music of Sounds Like These

Joseph is a composer and sound designer with a focus on narrative-driven audio branding. His leadership style emphasizes creative collaboration and innovative storytelling through sound.

Oli Slack, Co-Founder & Head of Audio of Sounds Like These

Oli specializes in audio engineering and technical sound design, focusing on implementing scalable, high-quality sonic branding solutions across media platforms.

Samuel Heath, Co-Founder & Creative Producer of Sounds Like These

Samuel’s expertise lies in soundscape creation and immersive audio experiences, bringing a nuanced, artistic touch to every project.

Theo Krish, Co-Founder & Head of Culture of Sounds Like These

Theo combines music production with sound design to craft emotionally compelling audio content that strengthens brand narratives.

Hayes McKenzie – Consultants in Acoustics

‍What they do: 

‍Hayes McKenzie provides technical acoustic consultancy with specialties in wind turbine noise, environmental impact assessments, building acoustics, and legal expert witness services. Their team works across sectors where sound regulation and compliance are critical.

Who they work with:

‍Renewable energy developers, architects, industrial planners, airport authorities, and local councils.

Operating model: 

They deliver principle-led acoustic engineering through small, senior-led teams, offering hands-on consultancy, compliance reporting, and litigation support.

💡 Why they stand out:

• 🌬️ Wind farm noise authority, Co-authors of national wind turbine noise standards (ETSU-R-97) and advisors to UK regulators.
  
• 🧾 Expert witness credibility, Routinely engaged for noise-related disputes in planning appeals and court cases.
  
• 🧪 UKAS-accredited testing, Trusted for their certified methodologies in turbine noise monitoring and reporting.

Malcolm Hayes, Director of Hayes McKenzie - Consultants in Acoustics

Malcolm is an acoustical engineer with over 30 years in the field, co-founding Hayes McKenzie in 1991. He has been instrumental in shaping UK policy on wind farm noise and has served as an expert witness in high-profile planning cases. Malcolm is known for combining scientific precision with accessible explanations—key in both client settings and legal contexts.

 Rob Shepherd, Director of Hayes McKenzie - Consultants in Acoustics

Rob oversees the full project lifecycle in the Salisbury office—managing everything from preparing quotations and conducting noise modelling to performing data analysis and assessments and authoring detailed reports. Beyond his own project portfolio, he also performs technical reviews of other consultants’ analyses and reporting work, ensuring that all outputs adhere to Hayes McKenzie’s high professional standards

Sound Diplomacy

‍What they do: ‍

Sound Diplomacy specializes in music and sound strategy consulting to drive urban and economic development, cultural planning, and creative city initiatives. They help governments and organizations leverage sound and music ecosystems to enhance place-making and cultural growth.

Who they work with: 

Local governments, cultural institutions, urban planners, and economic development agencies worldwide, including the UK.

Operating model: Combining academic research, data analysis, and strategic consultancy to create evidence-based, actionable sound and music policies tailored to local contexts.

💡 Why they stand out:

• 📈 Data-driven urban sound strategy — Pioneers in applying rigorous research to city sound planning and creative economies.
  
• 🌍 Global footprint with local impact — Deliver projects worldwide with a strong emphasis on local culture and sustainability.
  
• 🧑‍🏫 Thought leadership — Published extensively and influential in shaping sound policy internationally.

Dr. Shain Shapiro, Co-Founder & Executive Chairman of Sound Diplomacy

Dr. Shain Shapiro is a cultural economist and urban strategist focused on the intersection of music, sound, and city planning. With a PhD in music and urban development, he has advised numerous governments on developing creative sound ecosystems, blending research with practical outcomes.‍

Jordi Puy , Co-Founder & Board of Director of Sound Diplomacy

Jordi Puy co-founded Sound Diplomacy in 2013 alongside Dr. Shain Shapiro and has served as a driving force behind its global vision and strategies. Today, he holds the titles Co-Founder & Head of Sound Diplomacy, as well as Co-Founder & CEO of Unison, a pioneering rights management company in Spain built on principles of transparency and technological innovation.

‍AF Acoustics

‍What they do:

‍AF Acoustics delivers comprehensive acoustic consultancy services including environmental noise assessments, building acoustics, noise control, and vibration analysis for commercial and industrial projects.

Who they work with: 

Construction firms, architects, developers, industrial clients, and public sector organizations.

Operating model:

‍A client-focused consultancy combining technical precision with practical recommendations to meet compliance and enhance sound environments.

💡 Why they stand out:

• 🏗️ Broad sector experience, Extensive work in both industrial and built environment acoustics.
  
• ✅ Compliance expertise, Skilled at navigating UK noise regulation and environmental permitting.
  
• ⚙️ Pragmatic solutions, Emphasizes cost-effective, feasible noise mitigation strategies.

Adrian Finn, Founder & Director of AF Acoustics

Adrian has over 20 years’ experience in acoustic engineering and project management. Known for his clear communication and practical solutions, he leads AF Acoustics with a focus on delivering measurable client benefits and regulatory success.

Pace Consult Ltd

‍What they do: 

‍Pace Consult provides specialist acoustic and noise consultancy services for residential, commercial, and industrial projects, including sound insulation testing and environmental noise assessments.

Who they work with:

Property developers, architects, local authorities, and private clients.

Operating model:‍

Agile consultancy offering personalized, expert advice with quick turnaround times and detailed reporting.

💡 Why they stand out:

• 🏠 Residential and commercial expertise, Deep knowledge of building regulations and sound insulation standards.
  
• 🕒 Fast, client-centric service, Known for responsiveness and clear guidance through complex planning processes.
  
• 📑 Detailed reporting, Comprehensive acoustic reports supporting planning applications and compliance.

Martin Jones, Founder & Managing Director of Pace Consult Ltd

Martin has over 15 years’ experience in acoustics, specializing in residential sound insulation and environmental noise. His approach combines technical accuracy with practical advice, earning him trust across public and private sectors.

Clear Acoustic Design Ltd

‍What they do: 

‍Clear Acoustic Design focuses on acoustic design and consultancy for architectural projects, ensuring optimal sound quality and compliance with noise regulations for a variety of building types.

Who they work with:

‍Architects, developers, and construction teams in commercial, residential, and public building sectors.

Operating model:‍

Emphasizes early-stage acoustic design integration, working closely with architects to influence building layouts for optimal acoustics.

💡 Why they stand out:

• 🏢 Integrated design focus, Early collaboration with design teams to prevent acoustic issues before construction.
  
• 📐 Custom acoustic solutions, Tailored strategies to meet diverse project requirements and budgets.
  
• 🔊 Holistic acoustic expertise, Covers internal noise control, external noise impact, and sound quality enhancement.

Stefan Hannan, Founder & Director of Clear Acoustic Design Ltd

Stefan is an acoustic consultant with extensive experience in architectural acoustics and noise control. His leadership style prioritizes client communication and integrated design processes, ensuring acoustics are a key part of building performance.

SOUNDGUARDS ACOUSTIC LTD

‍What they do:‍

SOUNDGUARDS offers acoustic consultancy services including noise surveys, vibration analysis, sound insulation testing, and bespoke noise mitigation design for industrial and commercial clients.

Who they work with:‍

Industrial facilities, property developers, local authorities, and event organizers.

Operating model:‍

Focus on tailored noise control solutions with a pragmatic approach balancing technical accuracy and client needs.

💡 Why they stand out:

• 🔍 Comprehensive noise control services, From measurement to mitigation across diverse industries.
  
• 🛠️ Tailored mitigation design, Solutions customized to client site-specific challenges.
  
• 📊 Strong regulatory knowledge, Experienced in UK environmental noise standards and permitting.

Rob Shaddick, Founder, Company Director & Acoustic Consultant of SOUNDGUARDS ACCOUSTIC LTD

Rob is a highly qualified acoustic consultant with over 25 years in the industry. Recognized for his practical and client-oriented approach, Rob leads SOUNDGUARDS with a focus on clear communication and effective noise management strategies.

Shaping Sound: Leading Voices in UK Sound Design Consulting

Sound design consulting in the UK is driven by a diverse range of experts specializing in immersive audio, acoustics, and interactive sound. Leaders in this field bring decades of experience across video games, film, music, and spatial design, delivering tailored solutions for creative and technical projects. These professionals offer services ranging from bespoke audio production to acoustic consultancy and environmental sound strategy. The sector reflects a balance of artistic vision and scientific rigor, with consultants applying both innovative tools and established frameworks. As sound continues to shape experiences across industries, the relevance of expert-led design consulting remains vital for elevating impact and engagement.

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