Design Projects
Nicola has led on the acoustic design of projects including residential developments, hotels, health care, educational and office buildings. She is particularly interested in the renovation of historic buildings, where bespoke remedial solutions are  often necessary. Notable projects include listed and new build elements of the Donaldson’s College and Craighouse redevelopments, Malmaison St Andrew’s Square and Merkinch Primary School, a CLT frame school in Inverness.

Environmental Impact Assessment – Noise & Vibration
Nicola regularly undertakes noise impact assessments, across the UK in accordance with relevant planning guidelines. Sources include transportation (Road, Rail and Aircraft), leisure, commercial and industrial noise. Where applicable, Nicola
utilises CadnaA noise modelling software to assist in the delivery of the project. Projects include BrewDog Castlegate, Tullibardine Distillery and Markinch Masterplan.

Acoustic Testing
Nicola has undertaken a large number of sound insulation and acoustic tests including laboratory testing (sound insulation, acoustic absorption and vibration transmission), pre-conversion testing and post completion testing for both commercial
(hotels, schools, offices, retail) and residential developments. Nicola regularly undertakes on site investigations into constructions that have failed to achieve their design potential, and she provides developers with cost effective remedial
measures. Nicola is a Robust Details Deputy Inspector within Northern England, Scotland and Ireland and is responsible for delivering the testing and inspection quarterly quotas for Robust Details Limited (RMP’s biggest client).

Air Tightness Testing
Nicola is Level 1 accredited by the Elmhurst Airtightness Testing Scheme (EAS) to undertake Air Tightness Testing of domestic and small commercial buildings.

Research
Nicola has been involved in European funded research activity as part of her work at Edinburgh Napier University as a Research Associate on the ‘Low Carbon Building Technologies Gateway’ project. She also worked with the EU COST Action TU0901 working group on a short-term scientific mission, the results of which were presented at Euronoise. She has undertaken extensive laboratory testing at BPAC Hanger 17 and Heriot-Watt University regarding the development of new acoustic systems and products.

Current positions

• Senior Acoustic Consultant, Robin Mackenzie Partnership, Edinburgh Napier University
• ANC Part E and Section 5 Registration Scheme registered Sound Insulation Tester
• Elmhurst Airtightness Testing Scheme (EAS) registered Air Tightness Tester
• Robust Details Deputy Inspector Northern England, Scotland, and Ireland
• Proficient at acoustic modelling using Cadna, Odeon, Insul, AutoCAD and Sketchup combinations.