Iveta Kralova

I joined Ecophon in 2006 and since then room acoustics has been an integral part of my life. I have been working in several positions and I have to say that each of them brought me new experience and knowledge in acoustics. Now I have the opportunity to use the information I have gained and I can spend more time on investigating how acoustic environments influence people's health, behavior and work performance. Sound, just like light and temperature, leads our senses and perception of the room. It does not have a visual appearance but it does not mean it is not important. Conversely – it has really huge impact.

I focus on room acoustics for education and office sectors. Noise levels in schools are on a really high level. Acoustic environments for learning is often alarming – bad speech clarity for the listeners, echoes in addition to the excessive noise level. Conditions that are unacceptable not only for students but also for teachers. There is a different situation in offices which are seeing big changes and this is ongoing. I dare to say that acoustic comfort is becoming an essential part of office working environment, which really pleases me.

I really appreciate the diversity in my job. Each working day is different, and gives me new challenges constantly. I can meet and lead negotiations with target groups like architects, end-users, investors and developers. It is interesting to observe and learn how each of them approaches room acoustics from their own point of view. Despite this we have a common goal – to collaborate and create a good acoustic comfort for people.