Visionaries shape the future, seeing what others cannot and daring to bring it to life. Their dreams inspire us to think bigger and create a better world. Acoustical design, the hidden science behind architecture, gives buildings their unique character by balancing between dead and reverberant spaces.

Dr. Mahabir S. Atwal

Managing Principal

Ph.D. | EMBA

Our Story

Paul History Image

Our history traces back to 1938, when Paul S. Veneklasen, a pioneering acoustical physicist, who conducted research at Harvard University's Electro Acoustics Laboratory. During World War II, his focus was shifted to solving the noise and vibration problems of the Second World War. In particular hearing protection, speech communication, and noise reduction in military aircraft and other military vehicles, laying the groundwork for our company's expertise. This early work in acoustics, a relatively new field at the time, paved the way for our founder's future innovations.

After the end of World War 2, in 1947, Paul S. Veneklasen founded “Western Electro Acoustics Laboratory” a West Coast version of the Electroacoustics Laboratory at Harward, in Santa Monica, California, and quickly established himself as a prominent consultant in Acoustics, Noise, Vibration and Sound System Design. The focus of the company at this time was still research and development with patents and publications. It was customary for consulting firms to bear the name of the Principal Consultant and therefore the name was changed to his namesake “Paul S. Veneklasen and Associates.” Paul was often referred to as "Renaissance man" because of the wide range of consulting project. Some example of uniqueness “acoustically how should the orchestra seating be organized, building an international airport on a lake, etc. Throughout his career, Paul left an indelible mark on the field of acoustics, creating some of the world's most remarkable spaces.

Today, Veneklasen Associates is renowned as one of the top acoustics consulting firms globally, with a legacy of innovation and expertise. Our parent organization has completed numerous high-profile projects, including the LAX Tom Bradley Terminal, Getty Center, Mondrian Hotel, India Parliament and many more. These iconic venues are celebrated for their exceptional acoustics, and our team was deeply involved in every aspect of their design and construction. We continue to build on our heritage, shaping the world's most remarkable spaces with precision and passion.

Our History

1938

Key contribution by our founder Paul S. Veneklasen in reducing the aircraft noise during World War II, working at the renowned Harvard University, Paul was a visionary and the Torch Bearer to take acoustics in one of the most important worldly events.

1947

Paul S. Veneklasen founded Veneklasen Associates (VA) in California, USA - The oldest Acoustical consulting firm in the world, with knowledge of building science and professional standards as a result of decades of experience in the design of thousands of buildings worldwide.

1950

Massive shift and support provided to the Rapid Expansion in Architectural acoustics, sound reinforcement, and environmental noise control.

1958

VA performed various communications studies to improve the helmet designs for Airforce Pilots of the US Government during The Cold War. Veneklasen researchers have had a long history working with the United States government.

1960

Helped US Airforce to reduce noise in Jets and minimize the flight thrust losses. When the United States Air Force needed comprehensive acoustics and propulsion data, they turned to Veneklasen.

1962

Developed Acoustical Instrumentation Tape Recorder to detect minute changes in atmospheric pressure and record graphic representation of sound waves.

1978

With the new craze towards audio and music, the conception and demonstration in AudSyn developed.

1980

True scientific investigation seeks truth, with the sole purpose of this Foundation to promote further scientific research in acoustics. In keeping with Paul Veneklasens desires and values, supported research must meet the highest standards of research design and performance.

1996

An era with a complete heritage along with a successful continuing journey & passion towards development of science, especially acoustics. Paul S. Veneklasen Research Foundation is established to sponsor scientific research in acoustics.

2010

James Good becomes Managing Principal. He started out as a drafting summer job while attending USC, and then never changed the course but with the sheer focus of making a journey and being part of the Veneklasen legacy for about 50 years.

2012

Veneklasen Associates merged with VSA & Associates. Both prominent acoustic consulting firms. The name Veneklasen Associates was chosen.

2017

Acquired Calgary based firm and in response to client needs, opened office in Calgary and Toronto with Dr. Mahabir S. Atwal leading the offices.

2018

Realizing the need for Acoustics and intensifying one of the most important branches of physics used in every individual's life every single day, opened office in India (Delhi) with Dr.Mahabir S. Atwal leading the office.

2019

Took over the office of Mei Wu Acoustics in San Mateo (San Francisco), CA. Adding another feather in our cap and building up our legacy.

2021

Acquired GVK Cams - An underwater acoustics firm. A sound partnership towards our focus area of acoustics to master in underwater acoustics as well and taking the home legacy of VA to new heights.

2023

With rapid development and growing economies, there is an increasing need to expand globally and establish a presence in different countries. Recognizing this opportunity, Veneklasen Associates has recently expanded its operations into Bangladesh.

Our Visionaries

Dr. Mahabir S. Atwal
  • Professor and Postdoctoral Research Associate, Purdue University
  • E.M.B.A. Executive Business Management, Pepperdine University
  • Ph.D. Physics/Acoustics, M. Phil. Physics/Acoustics, Leicester University
  • B.S. (Honours) Physics, Leeds University
  • 40 Years of Experience ranging from Research Scholar to Professor to Consultant and to Managing Principle Research with NASA
  • Project experience ranges from Architectural, Railway, Aircraft, Ship, Sonic Boom, Space Shuttle.

Dr. Mahabir Singh Atwal

John LoVerde
  • M.S. Acoustics, University of California, Los Angeles
  • B.S. Mechanical Engineering, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
  • 35 Years of Experience as an Educator, Consultant and Principle
  • Principal, Director Of Architectural Acoustics, VA
  • ANSI ISO Team
  • Vice Chairman of US Delegation to TC43 SC2
  • Authored over 120 articles, including 30 in JASA (Journal of the Acoustical Society of America)

John LoVerde

Our People

Dr. Mahabir S. Atwal

Dr. Mahabir S. Atwal

John Loverde

John LoVerde

Steve A. Martin

Steve A. Martin

James A. Good

James A. Good

Hooshang Khosrovani

Hooshang Khosrovani

Anika Atwal

Anika Atwal

David Wayland Dong

David Wayland Dong

Eugene Matzan

Eugene Matzan

Todd Busch

Todd Busch

Richard H. Silva

Richard H. Silva

Samantha Rawlings

Samantha Rawlings

Niroo Sharma

Niroo Sharma

Kalash Raj Rathore

Kalash Raj Rathore

Taufiq Umar

Taufiq Umar

Hitesh Tyagi

Hitesh Tyagi

Vidhi Sharma

Vidhi Sharma

Our Values

Integrity

Doing the right thing, always!

Our values, principles, and ethics, stands strongly at the core of our foundation, keeping us on our true path.

Ingenuity

Think Blue-sky!

Thriving through new concepts and solving problems that were unrealized, un-spoken but necessary.

Commitment

Transforming our promise into reality!

We adhere to every word we promise and to deliver value is our foremost priority, every step of the way.

Continuous Learning

Virtue to Learn & Grow every day!

We truly believe that the only way to keep up is to carry on learning. Learn-unlearn-relearn is our anthem to grow and be better!

People

Our People: Our Backbone!

Valuing people who join hands with us to achieve a common goal toward success is by far our greatest asset and makes us stronger and whole.

Diversity, equity & inclusion

Uniqueness is Empowering!

We believe in embracing every individual as who they are, celebrating Diversity, Equity & Inclusion universally drives us forward with pride every day.

Our Strategic Accomplishments

Our Business Endeavours

sound wave

Acoustics

We are the oldest established Acoustical Consulting firm in the world. Explore our consulting endeavours.

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Research  Image

Research

Our foundation promotes scientific research in acoustics, adhering to high standards of integrity.

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Health Care

Healthcare

HealthCare Resource Group is a Medical Cost Containment, FWA Management, SIU Support, Education and Consulting Firm.

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Education

Education

With a legacy spanning 76 years, Veneklasen Professional Learning Institute (VPLI) is committed to educational excellence.

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