What's That Sound? Exploring the Vital Role of Acoustics in Commercial Interiors
Research has demonstrated that unwanted noise in the workplace negatively impacts 70% of employees' concentration levels, productivity, and creativity, with similar results across education, healthcare, and hospitality environments. In this episode, i+s sits down with Slavi Younger, founder and partner of acoustical product manufacturer Fräsch, to discuss the drivers behind the heightened interest in acoustics in design; discuss what NRC ratings mean (and don’t mean); how acoustics should be considered across different project types, and more.
Meet our guest
Slavi Younger is a Founder and Partner at Fräsch LLC. Slavi has helped with the rapid growth of Fräsch by driving the sales and marketing efforts through innovative approaches in aesthetic acoustics. Targeting four categories of acoustical products – ceilings, walls, space division, and lighting, Fräsch works closely with the A&D community and commercial furniture dealers. Slavi spends considerable amount of time educating the design industry on sound and its effects on human health and wellbeing, and the importance of sound on the overall experience of any given space. Slavi teaches courses for Workplace Acoustics as well as Acoustics and a Modern Human; both approved for a continuous education credit via AIA. Along with this she has developed the training curriculum and marketing material used by the Fräsch sales force to promote its product offerings. With the recent acquisition of Fräsch by an industry leader of acoustical products, Catalyst Acoustics Group, Slavi takes a strategic role in the company as Vice President Sales and Marketing to help lead the organization in its continued growth and success.
About the Author
Robert Nieminen
Chief Content Director
Chief Content Director, Architectural Products, BUILDINGS, and interiors+sources
Robert Nieminen is the Chief Content Director of three leading B2B publications serving the commercial architecture and design industries: Architectural Products, BUILDINGS, and interiors+sources. With a career rooted in editorial excellence and a passion for storytelling, Robert oversees a diverse content portfolio that spans award-winning feature articles, strategic podcast programming, and digital media initiatives aimed at empowering design professionals, facility managers, and commercial building stakeholders.
He is the host of the I Hear Design podcast and curates the Smart Buildings Technology Report, bringing thought leadership to the forefront of innovation in built environments. Robert leads editorial and creative direction for multiple industry award programs—including the Elev8 Design Awards and Product Innovation Awards—and is a recognized voice in sustainability, smart technology integration, and forward-thinking design.
Known for his sharp editorial vision and data-informed strategies, Robert focuses on audience growth, engagement, and content monetization, leveraging AI tools and SEO-driven insights to future-proof B2B publishing.