Business Details
Your Trusted Theater Design Consultants in New York, NY
Harvey Marshall Berling Associates (HMBA) is a full-service architectural design consulting firm specializing in performing arts centers, theaters, and acoustically sensitive spaces. With over 100 combined years of experience, our team of theater planners, acoustic engineers, and lighting designers delivers integrated solutions tailored to each client's unique vision. We prioritize a collaborative, client-centric approach, ensuring seamless communication and coordination across all project phasesfrom pre-planning studies to system commissioning. Our Inside-Out methodology begins with listening to stakeholders, followed by customized design options and sustained partnership through project completion. HMBAs expertise spans architectural lighting, acoustical engineering, stage rigging systems, and IT infrastructure consulting, serving educational facilities, corporate offices, and performance venues nationwide.Our commitment to innovation and technical excellence has earned recognition through awards and long-standing client relationships. By consolidating multiple disciplines under one roof, we eliminate the inefficiencies of coordinating multiple consultants, providing a streamlined process that aligns with project goals and budget constraints. Our portfolio includes iconic projects such as the Andrew J Brady ICON Music Center and Grace Farms, demonstrating our ability to transform complex challenges into cohesive, functional spaces. HMBAs principals remain directly involved throughout every project, ensuring accountability and a deep understanding of client needs. We pride ourselves on proactive communication, technical precision, and a dedication to advancing the performing arts through design.
Services
Theater Planning
Acoustics Consulting
Lighting Design
IT Infrastructure
Stage Rigging Systems
Highlights and features
- We offer 100+ combined years of architectural design experience.
- Our team provides a single point of contact for all services.
- We implement a customized Inside-Out design approach.
- Our principals remain directly involved throughout every project.
- We specialize in integrated solutions for acoustically complex spaces.
What people say
Outstanding ownership and care
Proactive updates and communication
Instrumental to our success
Creative, appropriate solutions
Acoustically exceptional venue
Services
Theater Planning
HMBA provides comprehensive theater planning services, from pre-planning studies to system commissioning. Our approach integrates seating layouts, sightline analysis, and backstage support spaces to create functional, audience-centric venues. We collaborate closely with stakeholders to align designs with artistic and operational goals, ensuring seamless integration of technical systems like rigging, lighting, and acoustics. Our expertise spans new constructions and renovations, including historic preservation projects.
Acoustics Consulting
Our acoustical consulting services address noise control, room acoustics, and mechanical system isolation for theaters, educational facilities, and commercial buildings. We conduct detailed analyses to optimize reverberation times, sound isolation, and background noise levels. Solutions include material recommendations, construction details, and HVAC noise mitigation. HMBAs team ensures spaces meet performance requirements while maintaining architectural integrity, supported by decades of experience in complex acoustic environments.
Lighting Design
HMBA specializes in architectural and stage lighting design, focusing on control systems, energy efficiency, and aesthetic integration. We develop custom lighting solutions for performance venues, corporate offices, and educational facilities, balancing code compliance with creative vision. Services include fixture selection, dimming systems, and control programming. Our designs enhance functionality and ambiance while supporting technical production needs through collaborative client engagement.
IT Infrastructure
We offer IT infrastructure consulting for voice, data, and AV systems in performance venues and educational facilities. Our services include network design, cable planning, and live-streaming technology integration. HMBA ensures seamless connectivity for lecture capture, video conferencing, and broadcast applications, prioritizing scalability and user-friendly operation. By consolidating IT and AV systems under one consultant, we streamline project coordination and reduce complexity for clients.
Stage Rigging Systems
HMBA designs manual and motorized stage rigging systems tailored to venue requirements. Our services include layout planning, equipment specification, and safety compliance assessments. We integrate rigging solutions with structural and technical systems, ensuring reliability and ease of use for performers and crew. From traditional fly systems to modern automation, our designs support diverse production needs while adhering to industry standards and budget constraints.
Questions
What types of projects does HMBA specialize in?
HMBA specializes in theater planning, acoustical consulting, lighting design, and IT infrastructure for performing arts centers, educational facilities, and corporate venues nationwide.
How does HMBA ensure client collaboration?
Our Inside-Out approach starts with listening to stakeholders, followed by customized design options and sustained principal-led partnership throughout the project lifecycle.
Can HMBA handle complex acoustic challenges?
Yes. We provide detailed noise control, room acoustics analysis, and mechanical system isolation solutions tailored to performance venues and commercial buildings.
Do you offer integrated technology services?
Yes. We design voice, data, AV systems, and live-streaming infrastructure, ensuring seamless integration with lighting and acoustical systems under one consultant.
What is HMBA's project management approach?
A principal consultant remains on your project from concept to commissioning, providing a single point of contact and streamlined communication.
