Sonic Atelier was formed in 2003, when space sound specialists and experienced composers Ines Kargel and Fabian Neuhaus set out on a new path, using their skills to develop advanced methods of achieving pleasant-to-use environments for living and working. Essentially these novel methods make it possible to take advantage of the direct connection between physical forms, proportions and materials, and the resulting acoustical quality of spaces.

The office of Sonic Atelier is in Eferding/Austria at Chateau Starhemberg. Despite the scenic environment, they work on an international basis and spend much time on project sites and doing field research.

Ines Kargel (Dipl.comp. Dipl.mus.tec.) and Fabian Neuhaus (Lic.phil.) are Members of the Institute of Acoustics, the UK´s professional body for those working in acoustics, noise and vibration.

Born 1970 in Austria. Architectural acoustic designer and researcher.

Ines Kargel holds degrees in music theory/composition and music technology (Bruckner Conservatory Linz/A, 1996/1999), took courses at IRCAM/Paris and ELAK/Vienna, studied saxophone (a.o. with George Garzone) and performing arts (Graz/A, diploma 1990).

Architectural theory and epistemology (especially as elaborated by Karl Popper) have been her favorite areas of self-study for many years. She likes to explore new places and is a talented architectural photographer.

The interrelation between space and acoustics has been a key element of her work since the beginning of her career in 1988. Having started as a saxophonist, director and speech coach, she became an internationally active composer and electroacoustician, known for her site-specific space sound and multimedia projects based on a scientific approach.

She held composer in residence and visiting lecturer positions at the Sechuan Conservatory, Chengdu/China (1998) and the University of Music, Graz/A (2000).

Since 2001 she has been collaborating with Fabian Neuhaus, developing sound sculptures and realizing site-specific space sound installations at exceptional places, before jointly founding Sonic Atelier two years later and establishing a new field of work.

Born 1972 in Switzerland. Architectural acoustic designer and researcher.

Fabian Neuhaus studied musicology, music ethnology and philosophy at the University of Zurich/CH with Prof. Ernst Lichtenhahn (Lic.phil. [MA], 2001), as well as composition with Zoltàn Cserépy.

His childhood obsession with the secret of how music works has developed into the question of how spaces function in regard to their use (musical and non-musical).

Professionally he has been involved in the field of acoustics since 1990: inventing and making musical instruments; lecturing on acoustics; working as a sound engineer; as founder and manager of the concert series neue klaenge Schaffhausen; as live-electronics musician and internationally recognized composer. His compositions are precise investigations of space, for which he uses orchestras and soloists as well as experimental instruments and electronics.

Since 2001 he has been collaborating with Ines Kargel, developing sound sculptures and realizing site-specific space sound installations at exceptional places, before jointly founding Sonic Atelier two years later and establishing a new field of work.

Sonic Atelier have won awards in several different categories and countries:
- Nomination for the Swiss Art Award for Architecture 2007
- Manor Art Award 2006 (Switzerland)
- Anton Bruckner Scholarship for composition 2005 (Austria)
- Project promotion award from the Swiss Canton of Aargau 2004 including a research residence in Paris
- Project promotion award 2002 from the City and Canton of Schaffhausen.

Ines Kargel was awarded:
- Scholarship of the Republic of Austria for composition 2001
- Scholarship of the Academy of Arts Berlin 1999
- Arts Promotion Award from the City of Linz 1999
- Talent Promotion Award from the County of Upper Austria for composition 1996.

Fabian Neuhaus received:
- Pro Helvetia commission for composition (2001)
- Project promotion award from the Canton of Aargau 2001 and 1998
- Contempo Award Schaffhausen 1998.