Richard Cookson

Richard Cookson BSc(Hons), PhD, MIOA

Principal Consultant

Richard joined PDA Ltd in 2007 and has worked on a wide variety of environmental and architectural acoustic projects including acoustic specification and design of large multi-tenancy mixed-use developments, acoustic specification, and design work for new-build schools, noise impact assessments for industrial developments, neighbourhood noise disputes and advice concerning noise-related statutory nuisance abatement notices. Richard has also acted as an expert witness in Licensing hearings and Planning Appeals.

Richard previously worked for 16 years in the industry before moving into magnetic materials research, acoustic research, and finally acoustic consultancy with PDA.

Richard has a 1st Class degree in Applied Physics, a PhD in magnetic recording media, and the IOA Diploma in Acoustics and Noise Control. Whilst studying for the IOA diploma Richard was awarded the Association of Noise Consultants national prize for the best project in 2004. Richard has co-authored several academic papers in acoustics and magnetic materials.

Outside of work, Richard is a keen tuba player with the Blackburn and Darwen Brass Band and also enjoys cooking and baking (or ‘making a mess in the kitchen again’ as his family prefers to call it). Richard has recently been trying his hand at fell running, forcing his two kids to have a go as well. However, he is not very good at it and may well have given up by the time you read this.