Russell MacdonaldSenior Acoustic Consultant

Senior Acoustic Consultant

BSc (Hons), MPhil, MIOA

Robust Details Deputy Inspector North East England, Scotland, and Ireland

ANC accredited for Sound Insulation and EAS Level 2 accredited for Air Tightness Testing

Russell joined RMP in 2007 with a background in architectural technology and applied acoustics, and has developed a wide portfolio of acoustic projects throughout the UK, whilst still maintaining links with the wider University to support industry engaged research projects. Russell recently updated the noise section of The Metric Handbook.

With a detailed knowledge of project lifecycles and stakeholders, design work includes novel off-site/modular systems, using everything from concrete to CLT, and cinema refurbishment. Russell is particularly interested in noise control mitigation within noise impact/complaint projects.

Family and work life’s happily merge between bike commutes over as many hills as legs permit.  Remote work trips are relished as an opportunity to do some bird watching, loading his camper with equipment and family.  Recently Russell realised he had an interest in industrial heritage and building history through an increasing collection of bricks.

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Graduated with a First Class B.Sc (Hons) in Architectural Technology (2003) and a Master in Philosophy (M.Phil) in Applied Acoustics (2007) from Edinburgh Napier University, Russell completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Acoustics and Noise Control from the Institute of Acoustics in 2006. At undergraduate level he worked as a draftsman for the Robust Details programme for Part E of the England and Wales Building Regulations which went on to win the Queen’s anniversary prize. Russell Macdonald joined RMP Consultants in 2007.

Industrial Noise Control

Russell has undertaken numerous noise impact assessments and investigations at a wide range of sites and sources, and is always interested in their business and activities.  Projects include; Pollution Prevention Control licencing assessments for SEPA at Scottish Leather Group’s extensive manufacturing sites, planning enquiry evidence for Anaerobic Digestion Plant at Ballencrieff,  ETSU assessments of medium sized wind turbine’s at Terex Motherwell, and BS4142 new build distillery planning assessments and complaint investigations at many distilleries including Aberlour and Glenmorangie.

Acoustic Design

Russell has worked on numerous acoustic design projects for domestic and commercial projects requiring an excellent understanding of project structures and responsibilities, and has a particular interest in building renovation.  Projects include; cinemas for Intu Broadmarsh and The Light Cinema Huddersfield, Hotel designs such as at the Hilton Old Trafford Cricket Ground, 13 storey Scotway House student halls development, Calla Homes Jordan Hill Campus residential re-development and the Yoker Cross Laminated (CLT) tallest timber building in Scotland.

Civic Building Design

Russell led the acoustics design for the Western Isles Schools project for 3D Reid Architects, the largest construction project ever undertaken on the Islands and includes; four new build primary schools, two mixed new-build and refurbishment secondary schools with community sports and leisure facilities including a theatre.  Designed to client specific requirements, BREEAM standards and BB93. Other notable projects include listed and new build elements of the Royal Edinburgh Hospital redevelopment and the CAT B fit-out of 190k sq.ft HMRC Hub office in Edinburgh.

Acoustic Testing

Russell regularly undertakes sound insulation and acoustic testing throughout the UK for a variety of projects including: laboratory insulation and absorption rating, commercial completion testing (cinemas, hotels), façade insulation measurement, pre-conversion testing including pubs and clubs, as well as being a Robust Details Deputy Inspector within North East England, Scotland and Ireland.

Air Tightness Testing

Russell is Level 2 accredited by Elmhurst Airtightness Scheme (EAS) to undertake Air Tightness Testing of domestic and commercial buildings.  Experience also includes provision of accredited training schemes and assessments, CPD events for NHBC and roles on technical advisory committees.

Research

Seconded industry engaged research includes: best practice domestic Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) detailing funded by the Scottish Construction Innovation Centre as part of the Yoker Demonstrator project, DTI funded Knowledge Transfer Partnership developing bespoke sound and thermal insulation solutions, various acoustic product optimisation and development projects, sound insulation evaluations including defect resolution for off-site demonstrator projects and UK (UKCES) skills research identifying and addressing the skills shortages within the off-site construction sector.

Current positions

  • Lecturer, Edinburgh Napier University
  • Senior Acoustic Consultant, Robin Mackenzie Partnership, Edinburgh Napier University
  • ANC Part E and Section 5 Registration Scheme registered Sound Insulation Tester
  • Elmhurst Airtightness Scheme (EAS) registered Air Tightness Tester
  • Robust Details Deputy Inspector North East England, Scotland, and Ireland.

Please see below some of the projects Russell has worked on.

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