Noral D. Stewart, Ph.D., FASA, FASTM, INCE
Founder & Principal Consultant Emeritus
Legacy
When Dr. Noral D. Stewart founded Stewart Acoustical Consultants, he brought a rare combination of scientific rigor and design sensitivity to a field that was still emerging. Over more than five decades, his work helped define how acoustics is integrated into modern buildings — from residential and education to industrial and civic environments.
His influence continues to guide the firm’s approach today: thoughtful, evidence‑based, and grounded in a deep understanding of how sound shapes human experience.
Leadership
Dr. Stewart’s career includes leadership roles that have had a lasting impact on the acoustical profession. He served as President of the National Council of Acoustical Consultants, contributed to national research initiatives, and played a central role in developing many of the standards and guidelines used across the industry today.
His work with the Acoustical Society of America, ASTM Committee E33, INCE, and the Facilities Guidelines Institute helped elevate acoustics as a critical component of building performance — particularly in healthcare and residential care environments.
Expertise
Since entering the field in 1967, Dr. Stewart has contributed to award‑winning buildings and helped owners resolve complex noise and vibration challenges across the Southeast and beyond. A North Carolina native, he offers deep familiarity with the region’s building practices, climate, and regulatory landscape — insight that continues to inform the firm’s work.
Contributions
Dr. Stewart’s technical leadership has been acknowledged through numerous honors, including the Laymond N. Miller Award for Excellence in Acoustical Consulting, ASTM Award of Merit, ASTM Fellowship, and the Wallace Waterfall Award for contributions to acoustical standards. He was also inducted into the NCSU Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Hall of Fame in 2013.
He is co‑author of the Community Noise chapter in The Noise Manual and served as the principal noise control expert for the NIH Consensus Conference on Noise and Hearing Loss. His body of work includes more than 75 publications, seminars, and presentations delivered nationally and internationally
Education
North Carolina State University