About Opal Acoustics
Richard Whitaker
Director of Acoustics
Acoustic consultancy founded by Richard Whitaker.
I have worked as an acoustic consultant for more than 12 years, much of that time at a senior level within a specialist consultancy. During this period, I have delivered acoustic services for national housebuilders and smaller local developers, nationwide care home providers, major supermarket chains and independent bar operators, as well as multi-academy trusts, individual schools, and large retail operators managing extensive new-build programmes.
The scale of what I have worked on ranges from a single residential conversion to multi-phase development programmes running across several years. That breadth matters, because most acoustic problems in practice are not especially unusual. Recognising a flanking path, understanding what a planning authority actually needs from a noise report, knowing where the real compliance risk sits in a particular construction detail, these things come from doing the work, repeatedly, across a wide range of situations.
I am based in Yeadon, which puts me within easy reach of supporting clients locally in Leeds. I also regularly support clients across Yorkshire and nationwide.
Professional credentials
Institute of Acoustics (IOA)
I am a full member of the Institute of Acoustics, the UK's professional body for those working in acoustics, and noise. IOA membership is recognised by planning authorities, Building Control bodies and professional clients as the benchmark standard for practising acoustic consultants.
Standards and technical practice
Regular work against BS4142:2014+A1:2019, BS8233, ProPG, BB93, Approved Document E, Approved Document F, WHO guidelines on environmental noise, and NPPF planning policy. Detailed knowledge of local authority acoustic requirements locally in Leeds, Yorkshire, and nationwide.
Who we work with
Residential developers
New build schemes and conversions, from single dwellings to large multi-phase developments.
Architects
Acoustic design advice and reviews at all RIBA stages through to sound insulation testing, conditional discharge and sign off.
Planning consultants
Noise impact assessments in support of planning applications and conditional discharges.
Builders and contractors
Pre-completion sound insulation testing and building regulations compliance. Construction noise assessments.
Bars, restaurants and licensed premises
Noise management plans and retrospective assessments.
Education and BREEAM
BB93 and BREEAM acoustic design and sound testing for schools, colleges and other commercial settings.
Industrial and commercial
External plant assessments for supermarkets, industrial units and retail, including any BREEAM requirements.
Private individuals
Noise impact assessments for proposed air source heat pumps.
Where we work
Based in Yeadon, West Yorkshire, we regularly work with clients across the whole of the UK including:
Projects across the wider UK are considered, please contact for details.