Tricia Elms Hanafin brings specialized expertise in building acoustics and architectural consulting to Building Science Advisors. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Villanova University, Tricia combines a rigorous technical engineering background with extensive hands-on experience—including past work as a consultant with leading building performance and enclosure firms like Vidaris. She collaborates closely with architects, developers, and project teams to address complex acoustic and environmental challenges in the built environment.
Tricia focuses on integrating sound control and acoustic optimization into building science and enclosure design. Levering her mechanical engineering foundation, her core areas of expertise include:
Sound Transmission & Isolation: Evaluating interior and exterior wall, floor, and assembly construction to limit noise transfer between spaces.
Building Envelope Acoustics: Analyzing facade and window-wall systems to mitigate ambient outdoor noise and maintain indoor environmental quality.
Room Acoustics & Sound Control: Designing spaces to balance speech privacy, reverberation time, and acoustic comfort across commercial, residential, and institutional developments.
Integrated Building Science: Aligning acoustic performance with mechanical systems, thermal controls, and structural requirements to deliver holistic building solutions.
Beyond her consulting practice, Tricia is a committed industry leader and advocate for future professionals in architecture, engineering, and construction. A long-time mentor with the ACE Mentor Program of America (Greater New York affiliate), she has served on mentor and strategic planning committees and was recognized as an ACE Outstanding Mentor.
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