Professional Spotlight: Jennifer Epstein


Math and Music
Jennifer Epstein spent the majority of her upbringing with a musical instrument in her hand. Growing up playing the violin and clarinet, Jenn was able to explore her passion for music through band, orchestra, and choir during high school. While she was working on her bachelor’s in physics, architectural acoustics had only just begun to take root as a necessary service in the architectural engineering and construction industry.
After earning her physics degree, Jenn discovered the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s (UNL) architectural acoustics program. The coursework combined Jenn’s passion for math and music into one unique discipline.
“I remember someone asked me: ‘Could you use your degree to design recording studios?’” Jenn explained, “That’s what led me down the path to finding UNL’s acoustical program.”
Jenn went on to receive her Master of Science in Architectural Engineering – Acoustics from UNL in 2014 where she served as the Secretary of the University of Nebraska Acoustical Society of America. As the industry was still growing, Jenn decided to take time to focus on building her family and staying rooted in the Omaha community.




Early Career
Before joining IP Design Group as an acoustical designer, Jenn spent time in acoustical building product sales, which helped her better understand the role of product knowledge and its importance in the design process before joining IP Design Groups’ vendor-neutral design team.
“Architectural acoustic students spend their studies learning theoretical knowledge of the industry,” Jenn explained, “Getting to know the products that allow us to customize a space’s soundscape is a big part of successful consultation and design. I was fortunate to begin building that knowledge before joining the IP Design Group team.”
Jenn’s early career in acoustical design is highlighted by work primarily within the K-12 education and corporate office market sectors. Specific projects include the Chamberlain Elementary School, offices located within the Nashville Yards mixed-use development, and the The Chicago School Health Science project. In addition to these projects, Jenn has also spent time conducting in-depth acoustical analyses, including buildings in the federal court systems and more.
“One of the great things about working at IP Design Group is that we are equipped to handle a wide variety of acoustical projects,” Jenn explained, “Being able to work on something new every day is a big part of why I enjoy the job!”
Current Projects
Projects that Jenn Epstein is currently working on include the Sherwin-Williams Global Headquarters, Oklahoma City Public School’s Taft Middle School, and acoustical consultation for Cham Pang Lanes, a duckpin bowling alley located in Omaha’s newest downtown mixed-use development: Brickline at The Mercantile.
Crafting designs and providing consultation on the Taft Middle School has been an exceptionally rewarding experience for Jenn. The project includes dedicated music classrooms, a hybrid gym-auditorium space, and the opportunity to find solutions that achieve client objectives.
“The gymnasium space was also the middle school’s only auditorium,” Jenn stated, “Finding construction materials that adequately suited the acoustical needs of an auditorium was important, and we also had to make sure that they were durable when the space was being used as a gym.”
The acoustical design of Cham Pang Lanes required Jenn and the acoustics team to ensure that sound transmission from the bowling alley would not permeate into the apartments above while ensuring the sound levels within the space could remain at an appropriate level.
“We had to account for both airborne sound that could transfer from space to space and the impact noise from the actual bowling,” She explained, “IP Design Group is a National Council of Acoustical Consultants firm, and we were able to leverage our membership and request sound data specific to duckpin bowling alley’s using a web forum that allowed us to provide precise recommendations.”
The size, scale, and complexity of the Sherwin-Williams project has made the progress earned throughout design and construction an enriching and rewarding project for Jenn. Her work in corporate offices throughout the year has allowed her to apply freshly gained experience in the one-of-a-kind building. Additionally, Jenn was pivotal in the coordination of a hands-on, in-person acoustical demonstration titled the “Ears on Experience” that allowed project stakeholders the opportunity to experience how acoustic solutions impact an office environment.
Industry Outlook
Considering how design and construction will impact the soundscape of the built environment is something that Jenn has seen become more commonplace, which indicates that the acoustic industry will continue to grow.
“Ten years ago, I would wager that the primary work being done in the industry centered around acoustically sensitive spaces such as recording studios,” Jenn explained, “Nowadays, we’re doing offices, classrooms, multi-family developments, etc. We should be considering the acoustics in those spaces, and I’m happy the industry is growing.”
“Our goal is very similar to other architects and engineers who design built environments,” Jenn continued, “to make a more comfortable and enjoyable space for the people that use them.”
Given how new the building acoustics industry is, Jenn emphasized the importance of staying up-to-date on the latest research, technology, and industry standardization methods in order to constantly provide the best service possible to IP Design Group’s clientele.
“One example that comes to mind is Noise Isolation Class, which is a newer metric that didn’t exist while I was in school.” Jenn stated, “That’s just one example of how sound metrics have changed over time and emphasizes the importance of staying on top of the latest industry findings.”
Jenn also noted that clients and architects are discovering the value of providing acoustical treatments during the design phase as opposed to adding acoustical treatments after construction is finished. Adding acoustical treatments after a project has been completed can add unnecessary costs for the client and produce suboptimal performance results. Weaving acoustical solutions into a project during its initial construction has led to better outcomes and solutions for project stakeholders.
Clients and Collaboration
What keeps Jenn Epstein coming into the office every day? The opportunity to collaborate with team members, find solutions for her clients, and learn more about acoustics. She is also incredibly passionate about providing education in the acoustics industry and seeks to provide learning opportunities for clients and coworkers alike. From AIA presentations to being invited to impromptu work meetings, Jenn takes every chance she can to share her insights on acoustics.
“I love having the opportunity to talk about what I do, whether that’s with project stakeholders, architects, or co-workers,” Jenn stated, “It’s always great having an audience who cares, asks questions, and wants to learn more about the industry.”
Conversely, Jenn has also enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about the intricacies that other design disciplines must consider. Having the ability and opportunity to understand how building and technology systems work on a project can lead to better multidiscipline collaboration, and the knowledge learned can also come in handy on future projects. Working with people who share her passion for the built environment pushes Jenn to learn more and stay inspired.