Ambient Sound Masking for High-End Offices: Third Lake Partners in Tampa, Florida

• Project: Third Lake Partners Office
• Address: 1600 East 8th Avenue Tampa, FL 33605
• Client: Third Lake Partners
• Architect: In-house Design Team
• Facility Type: High-End Office Headquarters
• Objective: Improve privacy & reduce distractions without impacting design
• Scope: Full-building sound masking system using Lencore products

Third Lake Partners, a well-established investment and design firm located in Tampa’s historic Ybor district, was in the midst of a comprehensive office renovation when they recognized the need to enhance acoustic privacy throughout their space. Their office interiors are known for clean lines, high-end finishes, and open layouts that encourage collaboration. But those same elements introduced unintended acoustic challenges. With multiple departments and executive teams sharing the same floors, Third Lake turned to Commercial Acoustics for a discreet solution that would elevate their environment without disrupting its aesthetic.

• Ceiling Types: Mesh, concrete, metal deck, 2×2 ACT, black Lyra tiles
• Space Types: Open work areas, conference rooms, private offices
• Acoustic Risk: Reflective surfaces and open layouts reduced privacy

From the start, the space was acoustically imbalanced. A mix of industrial-style finishes—like exposed concrete and corrugated metal—combined with large open floor plans meant sound traveled easily from one end of the office to another. Third Lake had already installed aesthetic treatments like Akupanel wood systems and acoustic baffles, but open spaces still lacked speech privacy. Executive conversations were overheard. Team collaboration areas were prone to noise interruptions. And meeting rooms needed controlled acoustics for confidential strategy sessions. The visual impact of the design was clear. The acoustic performance, however, needed a complete rethink.

• Technology: Lencore Gold Head End Unit
• Speaker Types: Pendant, tangent, & plenum-mounted
• Controls: Room touchpads for on-demand adjustments
• Zones: All four floors divided into adjustable sound zones

To solve these problems, our team deployed a comprehensive Lencore sound masking system customized for the space. The system was anchored by a Gold Head End Unit, which provided centralized control across all floors. We installed a mix of speaker types—pendant, tangent, and plenum—matched to each ceiling condition for optimal performance without visual conflict.

Before installation, we used our Sound Masking Calculator to model coverage and determine exactly how many speakers were needed. In conference rooms and collaboration areas, we added touchpad controls so users could adjust masking volume in real time. That flexibility let Third Lake’s teams shift easily between collaboration and privacy, boosting both comfort and productivity.

• Challenge: Installing in Armstrong ceilings and finished areas
• Approach: Precision cuts and wiring through access panels
• Outcome: No disruption to finishes or fire-rated assemblies

Integrating this level of technology into a space with so many ceiling types required detailed planning. Several rooms featured Armstrong acoustic panels with fire-rated finishes, which couldn’t be disturbed without careful coordination. We performed precision cuts and routed wiring through existing access points to preserve both fire code compliance and finish integrity. Our install team worked in close sync with lighting, HVAC, and design consultants to avoid disrupting architectural elements. The result? A fully integrated system that looked invisible—and worked exactly as intended.

• Result: Better privacy, fewer distractions, improved focus
• Coverage: All four floors, including executive offices & team areas
• User Experience: More comfort and fewer interruptions across teams

With the new system in place, Third Lake’s team noticed an immediate improvement. Background chatter was softened, private conversations stayed private, and open work areas became significantly less distracting. This sound masking installation provided consistent noise control across open offices, conference rooms, and shared spaces.

The masking system blended into the architecture but changed the way the space functioned—delivering quieter, more focused work environments across every department. For a firm that prides itself on workplace design, this upgrade brought the acoustics up to the same level as the interiors. By integrating workplace acoustics into the design, the project highlighted how sound masking technology supports both productivity and privacy.

Third Lake Partners’ renovation demonstrates the power of integrating sound masking as part of the design process—not just as a retrofit. By addressing acoustics early, we helped them achieve a balance between openness and focus, between collaboration and privacy. Every decision—from speaker type to ceiling integration—was tailored to meet both visual and functional goals. The result is a modern office that sounds as good as it looks.

If you’re planning a renovation or office build-out and want help selecting the right acoustic systems, coordinating lead times, or installing a turnkey masking solution, reach out to Commercial Acoustics. Our team helps you plan smarter, install faster, and deliver spaces that perform beautifully.