ABOUT
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MISCHA MROST
Mischa, principal acoustic engineer, is a life-long lover of sound. Mischa has developed strong relationships throughout his career from his continual exploration of the effects of sound and noise on people and the environment. It is through this approach to learning that he is able to manage the at-times challenging interface between construction, people and the natural and built environment.
A LOVE FOR SOUND + PEOPLE
Mischa’s love for sound began at an early age, when he would fall asleep against his parents speakers listening to the African music of his upbringing. Mischa’s interest in sound and music developed into making musical instruments with his friends and then in his early teens, building home studios. Mischa is a keen drummer and a conscientious neighbour – which developed a powerful combo for his interest in noise control and acoustic design!
Mischa appreciates the very subjective nature of sound and noise. Due to various psycho-acoustic effects, sound can be a pleasure to some, and a nuisance to others. During his undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering, Mischa developed personal methods of focus to support himself when studying in noisy environments. This involved connecting to the quality of the noises of his surroundings and separating them from the focus he had on the task at hand.
During his acoustic consulting experience he has spoken with many people and their experience with various environmental noises including from construction, wind farms, roads, rail, sports stadiums, aircraft and mining operations. Mischa has found that it is common for environmental noise nuisance to be a combination of inadequate communication with the affected people and how and when the disturbing noise is made.
Being a musician, Mischa has had the opportunity to experience many performing arts venues and engage with other musicians and performers. Effective communication of talent, whether that be in the spoken word or by melody and music is essential to the experience of a performer and the audience.
An acoustic engineers role is much more than making noise predictions and Mischa applies a personable approach to all his work. Along with his engineering and consulting experience, Mischa has done training in communication and expression.
Mischa understands the importance of connecting with people on a personal level to find the best outcomes for his clients and addressing the greater effects that a project may have on the communities.