When it comes to creating comfortable, private, and productive workspaces, sound masking has become a crucial part of modern building design. Few understand this better than Sean McGrath, owner of Birkstone Services, a structured cabling company with nearly three decades of experience in the AV and construction industries.
Sean has been installing Lencore systems since 2008 and recently became a Lencore Master Certified Installer, deepening his technical expertise and commitment to high-quality acoustic environments.
From Construction to Acoustic Excellence
Sean’s journey began in the construction industry in 1985, long before sound masking was a common part of commercial spaces. In 1997, he transitioned into the structured cabling field, starting as a technician, and later moving into project management and estimating before founding Birkstone Services.
His introduction to sound masking came through a client need:
“One of my customers had a need for sound masking in a call center in 2008. I met with the local Lencore rep, and the system looked simple to install. I haven’t looked back since.”
That first installation launched a long-standing relationship with Lencore and a growing appreciation for how acoustic comfort supports privacy and productivity in a range of environments.
The Value of Certification for Sound Masking Installers Looking to Meet Acoustical Consultants' Requirements
Sean pursued Lencore’s Master Certified Installer Program because, as he put it, “We enjoy installing the Lencore product line. The ease of programming, tuning, and balancing makes it a great system to work with.” He also noted that customers like working with highly trained and certified vendors, that it instills trust that their project will be a success.
While Sean notes that the training didn’t change his core approach, he says it reinforced his understanding and confidence. The advanced training offered more than just a technical refresher, it gave him a deeper understanding of the acoustical consultants’ requirements and how to achieve them.
An acoustical consultant is a specialist who designs and manages how sound behaves in spaces — improving speech privacy, noise control, and overall acoustic quality. They work with architects, engineers, and integrators to ensure environments like offices, hospitals, and schools meet specific acoustic and performance standards.
“I’ve always had an understanding of the curve and what we’re trying to achieve for sound comfort, but taking the training helped reconfirm my knowledge of the systems and the best way to achieve customer needs.”
Installations Delivering Value Across Industries
Birkstone Services has implemented sound masking in a wide variety of environments, but Sean highlights medical clinics as a key area where the technology shines.
“We do a lot of medical clinics where privacy is of utmost importance for HIPAA and PHI compliance.”
He also finds strong demand in open offices, call centers, HR departments, and healthcare facilities, where speech privacy and concentration are critical.
When explaining the value to prospective clients, Sean keeps it simple:
“I tell customers that there’s about a 75% increase in productivity when a well-balanced sound masking system is in place.”
Sean’s customers have told him that they have seen a real value in Lencore Sound Masking.
A Practical Perspective on Certification
Sean views certification as less about the title and more about understanding and communication.
“If you understand the system, can explain why it works, and can speak confidently about it, that’s what matters. Some people like having the certificate, but what really sets you apart is your knowledge of the space and how sound affects it.”
That practical mindset, grounded in decades of field experience, helps him anticipate acoustic challenges early in construction projects.
“As a structured cabling company, we often see the need for sound masking before anyone else. We can spot potential trouble areas right from the start.”
Looking Ahead
As hybrid work evolves, Sean believes the biggest opportunities for sound masking lie in getting people back into office spaces, especially in healthcare and call centers, where privacy and concentration remain essential.
For other installers considering Lencore’s certification programs, his advice is straightforward:
“It’s a simple system to install, tune, and program. If you understand how sound travels and trust your ears—if it bothers you, it’ll bother others—you’ll do great.”
About Birkstone Services
Birkstone Services is a structured cabling and technology integration company providing network, AV, and sound masking solutions. With decades of experience across diverse industries, Birkstone delivers systems designed for performance, reliability, and comfort.
About Lencore’s Master Certified Installer Program
Lencore’s Master Certified Installer Program equips integrators and technicians with advanced knowledge in sound masking tuning and balancing. The program helps elevate installation quality, ensure compliance with acoustic standards, and strengthen integrator expertise on sound masking systems.
https://www.lencore.com/resources/lencore-certification-programs/
