Hi Everyone,
I have been a long time AVS member, have recently moved into new home, and am finally going to start my home theater project. Like everyone else, I am absolutely amazed at the breadth and depth of information on the AVS forums, and I have no doubt 99% of everything you need to know to build a home theater is contained in these pages.

The challenge I have is that I would like to complete my project in the next 3-6 months, and there is simply not enough time to research all the advanced technical aspects of HT design and still deliver in this timeframe.

What I am seeking:
I am a skilled carpenter and electrician and have advanced knowledge of the fundamental HT components (screen, projector, video source, amplifier, speakers, etc.), so I am not looking for someone to come to my residence and build me a home theater. Rather I am looking for a home theater design expert who would provide consultation services and perform tasks such as:

Reviewing my proposed room designs and making necessary recommendations for the macro layout components including stage design, proscenium design, riser design, column treatments, etc.
Providing specific direction on the overall acoustic treatments in the room – stage area, side and rear walls, bass traps, ceiling, etc.
Recommending seating styles and brands
Recommending lighting placement and options
In the category of “nice to have” someone who would review our color selections and ensure compatibility and appropriateness for movie watching.


My belief is that this will be a pretty straightforward build (the shell of the room at 20’x15’ is already complete). I am very comfortable working virtually, sharing sketches, pictures and blueprints electronically. Voice and/or video calls will comprise the balance of our discussions. If you are in the Chicagoland area, it may make sense to see the room in person and provide occasional on-site consultation.

In summary, if you are a Home Theater expert and would like to earn some extra cash helping out a fellow home theater enthusiast, please send me a Personal Message with a few items of introduction including your location (city/state), years of experience, types of HTs you have designed or consulted on (friends basement thru 20 seat high-end cinema), your desired hourly rate, any other pertinent information.

If you have links to sample projects you have designed, please include them, otherwise you can email me pictures at a later time.
I look forward to contacting you to discuss my project.

Best regards,
Mark

Dennis Erskine
http://www.erskine-group.com/
Terry Montlick
http://www.softwaredesign.com/
Bryan Pape
http://sensiblesoundsolutions.com/

EDIT - there are a few others, and if your are focused on needing acoustic help, there are several providers (Ethan Winer, the other guy from GIK, etc) - but those are the three who come to mind first. Or put a few months in on the boards here (posting not lurking, and you will get a dose of free advice).

Just some check list items for your project planning (although if the shell is done it may be too late):

You didn't mention sound proofing in your needs, but if you want to contain the sound so you can crank it up then it would be worthwhile to read the library of articles at soundproofingcompany.com.

While you are a skilled carpenter you might not have ever used resilient mounts to attach the top plate of walls, used whisper clips and channel to reduce the transfer of drywall vibration into the framing/joists, or used a viscoelastic dampening agent in the walls such as green glue.

Other items include back boxes or putty pads for wall penetrations.

Don't overlook the need to do some HVAC planning as the cooling needs exceed that of typical rooms.

Lastly using acoustical ductwork to minimize sound traveling to other rooms.

Please come back and show us your progress.

Or the legendary BIG, himself :). My entire HT was built off of BIG's specs and drawings. I figure if someone else can start his build thread then it would also be ok for someone else to throw his hat in the ring for potential consultation services.

Or the legendary BIG, himself :). My entire HT was built off of BIG's specs and drawings. I figure if someone else can start his build thread then it would also be ok for someone else to throw his hat in the ring for potential consultation services.

That's funny....I'm sure Big is gonna love you for pimping him out.:D

Any other recommendations please (Dave - thank you for the three people you recommended) of perhaps people you know or have worked with in the past.

To build on my previous post, I'm looking for someone who can provide expertise on a broad range of home theater design topics, someone who can confirm my assumptions so I don't make any "stupid" mistakes. Nothing over the top, just general principles, design ideas, alternatives, etc.

Again, any help is greatly appreciated.

Regards,
Mark

All of them can give you this info.

whew.. its difficult to keep up with you mgoetze. If you stick to one thread you can weed out morons like me who dont have the whole story before responding :).