Celebrating Dave Conant's Retirement

MCH
9 hours ago
3 min read

Join us in reflecting on MCH Founding Principal, Dave Conant’s nearly fifty years of excellent contributions in acoustics and architecture!

But first -

a quick note from Dave.

“I feel enormously blessed that our MCH family has interfaced with so many inspired designers, contractors, and owners since our inception in 1987. I am deeply encouraged that MCH’s leadership is stronger than ever, with momentum and continuity that will benefit our clients and theirs.”

David Conant began his journey in acoustics, perhaps unknowingly at the time, with his education in both physics (B.S. Physics (1968) – Union College, M.A. Geophysics (1972) – Columbia University) and architecture (B.Arch., M.Arch. (1975) – Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute). His diverse educational background set a strong foundation for his professional endeavors by marrying complex scientific concepts of acoustics and vibration with his passion for the artistic nature of architecture, music, and the arts.

Dave began his career teaching graduate-level building systems as an Assistant Professor at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.

Soon following, were his initial ten years as a Senior Consultant at Bolt Beranek and Newman in Los Angeles, California. There he worked closely with the late Ronald L. McKay. After a decade of valuable contributions to a variety of projects and internal studies at BBN, Dave co-founded, with Ron McKay, the firm McKay Conant Hoover Inc. (then McKay Conant Brook Inc.) in 1987.

Local newspaper article announcing Westlake Village office opening, July 1990

From the outset, Dave strove to teach younger consultants in effective and thoughtful ways, with a focus on continued learning. His ingenuity in education starts from a breadth of practical and theoretical knowledge, extending to self-developed software tools for acoustical analysis (Noise Prediction Scenario (NPS) and ROOMODES) which offered thoughtful explanations of analysis methodology with direct references to source material. The development of these tools enabled MCH consultants to consider successful design solutions. In recent years, Dave has continued to encourage effective design through today’s rapidly-evolving technology, staying mindful of the original studies and research upon which building technologies are based.

Dave always maintained a reputation of working closely and attentively with designers and stakeholders. He is eager to create innovative and effective solutions, while simultaneously educating his clients.

Dave was a key participant in various award-winning projects recognized for excellent acoustical design by a variety of different organizations including AIA, USITT, Los Angeles Conservancy, California Preservation Foundation, United States General Services Administration, among others. Additionally, he received the 2021 Laymon N. Miller Award for Excellence in Acoustical Consulting.

Several Projects that rise to the top of Dave's resume include Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts at California State University Northridge, LA Central Library Renovation and Wing Addition, Jensen Grand Concert Hall at Idaho State University, Ravenscroft Performing Arts Center and Studios, Valley Presbyterian Church in Paradise Valley, Angelus Temple Renovation, The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, and EuroDisney (now Disneyland Paris).

For MCH consultants, Dave has been especially enthusiastic about discovering others’ interests and pushing to incorporate them into their daily professional endeavors.

Henry Ashburn participating in study lead by Dave.

Thousands of acoustical environments worldwide have been enhanced by Dave, and the next generation of aspiring young acousticians and media systems designers (and others in architecture, and theater design) have benefitted and are ready to “carry the torch” toward ever-better building design.

We are excited for Dave as he enters retirement, and we will always appreciate his dedication and positive influence on MCH. His lovely wife Nancy, who has long guided our accounting and marketing efforts, will likewise be moving on. We are excited that Dave will have more time to play trombone and piano, to ski with Nancy, and that both will enjoy more time with kids and grandkids. He continues to be excited about the future of MCH.