About the Firm

Practical acoustic solutions since 1968

History

Founded by prominent acoustician and pioneer Peter Knowland, PKA began in 1968.

PKA has extensive experience in the measurement, analysis and control of sound and vibration. We have provided expert acoustic advice for many landmark developments, and the firm has handled well over 10,000 acoustic projects. Our skills range from domestic air conditioning to industrial noise, environmental noise control and complex vibration isolation solutions.

The company is involved in a diverse range of acoustic areas including architectural, industrial, auditorium design, building services and environmental.

PKA has also worked on projects overseas, including in Dubai, Papua New Guinea, Iran, Singapore, Hong Kong, New Zealand, the Philippines and Thailand.

Gillian Moore Centre for Performing Arts, Pymble Ladies College

Peter Knowland’s Legacy

PKA began as Peter R Knowland and Associates. Peter Knowland worked on the design of some of Australia’s best known performance spaces, and spent many years educating the industry.

Sydney Opera House
Two years on the design stages, assisting Dr V.L. Jordan with acoustic model testing and materials research, and advising Steensen & Varming on noise control for the air-conditioning plant.

1972
An acoustic study tour of the principal concert halls, opera houses and theatres of Europe. Two small concert halls were commissioned the same year, including Willoughby Civic Centre.

1975
Acoustic Modelling Course at MIT (USA), followed by acoustic modelling work on the Sydney Opera House and the High Court of Australia.

1982
The Queensland Cultural Centre Concert Hall was completed.

1988 to 1989
Newcastle Conservatorium Performance Hall and the Dame Joan Sutherland Hall, Penrith.

1990
Excellence in Acoustics Award from the Australian Acoustical Society for the Aotea Centre, Auckland.

Educating the industry

Peter lectured in acoustics for more than 15 years at the NSW Institute of Technology (now UTS) School of Architecture, and also at UNSW and the University of Sydney. He lectured on acoustic modelling in Australia and New Zealand.

He served as Vice President of the AAAC and as its liaison officer with the Australian Building Codes Board, and was involved in drafting the upgrade of the BCA acoustic provisions.