Remembering Fran Manzella: World-Renowned Studio Architect and Speaker Designer

August 24th, 2020 by David Weiss

I think my iPhone is trying to tell me something.

Whenever I say “Fran” into a text message, autocorrect insists on displaying it as “fan” or “friend.” That’s appropriate, since this is Fran Manzella I’m talking about, a man with legions of fans and friends.

A world renowned studio architect and speaker designer, Francis Manzella passed away unexpectedly on August 16, due to complications from hip surgery. His legacy is a global portfolio of elite facilities—recording studios, audio post, mastering suites, schools, corporate installations, and performance venues—executed by his firm Francis Manzella Design Limited (a.k.a. FM Design). His Griffin Audio division won equal acclaim for its G1, G1.5 and G2B monitors.

Fran Manzella was President and Principal Designer of Francis Manzella Design Limited (Photo courtesy of Jessica Klee)

Hearing of Manzella’s sudden passing gave me the same pause that I imagine many felt when they heard the news. I was reminded once more about life’s fragility, pained that such a talent could get cut short. All of my encounters with Manzella had been so upbeat that he inspired the first installment of SonicScoop’s “Studio Makers Spotlight” series in 2014.

I have many reasons for being a pro audio journalist, but the foundation of my fascination has always been the studio itself. In my two decades+ and counting in the field, I’ve been in hundreds of studios and become intimately familiar with the most prolific designers’ work. In time, I knew what to expect from a Francis Manzella-designed room: excellent acoustics, sophisticated systems, and a uniquely inviting aesthetic—the sense that everything present was in the service of sound.

The deeper common thread, however, was how happy his clients always were. Not just with his work or their work, but how they felt in the moment, convened in a Manzella control room or tracking space. His care, expertise, and love for the craft had clearly carried over, from the first blueprint to the tuned studio. I realize now it was Fran Manzella’s spectacular spirit living on in these special places he created.

It always will.

Paul Wickliffe, President/Chief Engineer of Skyline Studios 1978 – 1994

I hired Fran at Skyline Studios in NYC in 1983, shortly after he graduated from University of Miami. He held the position of Chief Technical Engineer longer than any other in the studio’s sixteen-year history. He was an integral part of designing two new rooms and renovating the original, which is where he found his passion for studio design. He brought his “A” game to everything he did with intensity and humor, and was both an inspiration and mentor to those that followed him. He met his wife Doreen and mother of his two children as a fellow Skyline employee.

Fran created an enormous well of love and respect among his family and thousands of friends and colleagues and he leaves behind some of the most outstanding temples for music production throughout the world. But in the end, they’re just empty rooms without great people to make them run, and Fran was the greatest. Rest well, my friend.

Leonardo Bella, Co-Founder Skyline Studios

Francis had an extra measure of key ingredients in his DNA. An extra measure of smarts and an abundance of what I call the salt of the earth…he did not have a fake bone in his body. So loveable and real and irreplaceable. We grew together as Skyline grew up into a world class facility and my heart aches at his passing.

Greg Morris, Acoustic Consultant, FM Design, LTD.

Fran made such an impact on me during my internship at FM Design that we stayed in touch as friends until 5 years later when I rejoined the team as a full-time employee. Despite his decades of experience, he always treated me like a peer and we collaborated on everything. He took pride in educating and I felt that he was personally invested in my growth. You can’t ask for more than that from your mentor. Whether we were tuning a room, inspecting construction progress, or walking the floor of a trade show, people gravitated towards Fran and it’s clear that he made an impact on everyone he met.

Two things that stood out to me about Fran were his recording industry experience prior to pursuing his career in acoustics and design as well as his overall attention to detail. A project is successful when the drawings (which he liked to refer to as “a very detailed set of instructions”) effectively convey the designer’s entire vision to the construction team, and FM Design drawings always did exactly that. To be self-taught in architecture and able to deliver that level of detail to your clients constantly impressed me and I was equally impressed by his ability to shift careers and build a successful business. But his time spent as Chief Engineer at Skyline was just as important to the product he delivered because he truly understood what a studio needs—not just acoustically but technically and ergonomically as well.

Anyone who knew Fran knew that his big heart extended beyond those he knew personally as he was a firm and vocal advocate for social justice. The following is from his family:

Lars Tofastrud, Senior Acoustician & Staff Designer, FM Design

I was the first employee at FM Design in 1999, and from the first day of my week-long interview with Fran it was clear to me Fran offered everything I wanted from an employer. I was included in all parts of the projects and got to see firsthand Fran’s incredible eye for detail at every level of construction. Nothing would be left out of his impressive drawing sets, which he would know by heart.

Fran always made me feel like an equal. He asked for my input even in areas that were not my expertise, and in my area of expertise—acoustics, he gave me free rein. Fran understood that an esthetically pleasing studio must sound great and that large studio monitors should be essential as a reference in the room and not just entertainment. A year later, we built the first set of high-end studio monitors, and that was the beginning of our partnership in Griffin Audio USA.

If I had to say what distinguished Fran’s contributions to the fields of Studio and Speaker design it was his genius of being able to see the forest and the trees. He could focus on micro details; for example, he would write the electrical specifications of a studio and, at a macro level, know how it should feel ergonomically, and what was needed to make the room sound great. Part of Fran’s genius was his humility; he was always learning from those around him and would always ask for varying perspectives and adapt when executing a project.

Regardless of size or budget Fran always gave his absolute best; he always kept his word and would never walk away from a project until everyone was satisfied.

My relationship with Fran evolved into a deep friendship, and even when life took me down some unexpected paths, our personal relationship got even stronger. The shock of hearing of his passing is proportionately hard. My sadness for his wife and two daughters for their loss is profound.

Zoe Thrall, Director, Studio at the Palms

Like everyone who knew him I can’t imagine a world without Francis Manzella in it. If you ever worked with Fran you know how professionally he conducted himself and what pride he took in his work. He made working fun with his larger than life personality and quick wit. When we built the Studio at the Palms Fran was extremely detail oriented and really beat up the contractors to “get it right”.

Even when the studio was finished he was hands-on continuing to tweak his tuning and checking in periodically about what clients were thinking. We became great friends as he frequently visited Las Vegas. I will miss our long talks and his big smile so much. My sincerest condolences to Doreen, Sam and Missy.

Joel Beckerman, Founder, Man Made Music

When I think about Fran’s studio design work, what consistently blows me away is the breadth and scope of what he created. Big music studio complexes, broadcast studios, mastering rooms and home studios. Each one was unique and each was personal. Fran was an artist. He was consistently innovative, pragmatic and aesthetic—all at the same time. When do you ever find all that in one person?

I’ve worked in a lot of Fran’s rooms. No matter what limitations he was handed— even people’s home studios in tiny, odd spaces– you’d look at the room, and you’d listen to it and say there’s no way that room should sound that good. Architecture and acoustics were just the starting point. He worked so much on instinct.

Fran’s death was such a blow. Such a wonderful man, a friend and a deep soul—so loved by our community. We’re all going to miss him.

When I had the opportunity to build my own studios and a creative space for my company from scratch, I didn’t consider anyone else. Fran made me feel my studios were the most important project he ever did. I think that’s what he brought to every one. To him studios weren’t just about dimensions, materials and wires. He knew they are places that either inspire you, or they don’t. As composers, songwriters and musicians, he got us.

I remember him and our Chief Engineer, Dennis Wall (Grammy-winning engineer) working for days and long hours finely tuning our rooms together. Dennis is as discerning as any pro you’ve ever met. And he always left those sessions happy, which was amazing. For years afterward, every time we made the slightest change, Fran would happily be back to help tweak it out. He and Dennis were kindred spirits. And it shows through the work.

One of the things I loved about Fran is you always knew where you stood with him. If your idea sucked, he’d tell you straight out. A total “no bullshit guy.” And he was the first person to say when an idea was good. He had no ego about it.

I think that’s what everyone loved about him. I remember when we were looking around at real estate where we’d build our new home and my new studios, a really ambitious project with a ton of unique requirements. In the search, there was one space I instantly fell in love with. It was the top floor of a tall building with amazing wrap-around water views. I brought Fran by to look at it. He walked the space and pondered it. I could see the wheels turning in his head. He poked around in every corner and looked at it from every angle. He never had to measure anything. In about ten minutes he told me “I can’t build the program you want here.” I was really pissed off, and tried to argue for it, but he wouldn’t budge. Of course he was right. His intuition was impeccable as was his work ethic. Anyone else would have just compromised to make their client happy, but that wasn’t Fran.

I’ve been thinking of him a lot since he passed. Over the last few days when I’ve been working in our studio, I’m just so grateful for what he built for us. It feels like a piece of him is still there. And I know I’m not the only one. I guess that’s his legacy.

Obie O’Brien, Director of Operations, Manhattan Center Studios

On behalf of Manhattan Center Studios, I add my condolences and sympathies to the family and colleagues of Francis Manzella upon Fran’s passing. For almost 40 years Fran made an indelible contribution to the recording industry. We are very gratified that Fran recently redesigned our Studio 7—one he had initially designed in 1995.

May Fran transition peacefully and may his wife Doreen and daughters Missy and Sam be consoled by the many tributes that will inevitably be recorded appreciating his extraordinary legacy and memories of Fran’s distinct caring and colorful personality.

Dave Snyder, Founder, Guilford Sound

The Manzella-designed live room at Guilford Sound in Southern Vermont.

What distinguished Fran’s contributions to the field of studio design was his ability to listen to the needs and wishes of the end users. He was incredibly respectful of one’s opinion, regardless of whether he was designing for a multi Grammy winning verteran or a relative newbie like me. Fran became a friend over the ten plus years I’ve known him and he will be sorely missed by me and everyone at Guilford Sound.

I am truly at a loss for words and still can’t wrap my head around the fact that he’s gone. We had just spoken the week before his passing, as he was going to help me with an acoustical project for an auditorium in Brattleboro for a non-profit music organization. It was the day before his surgery and I never, ever thought that there was a remote chance of something as routine as hip surgery could spin out of control so fast. Fran was such a kind man and very talented in his field. His control rooms are the best I’ve ever heard. Aside from his professional life, he was an awesome father and a humanitarian.

John Storyk, R.A., Founding Partner, WSDG

It was with a heavy heart that I learned of Fran’s passing this week. We shared many of the same values and beliefs about designing great spaces in which to create and produce music. The past months have seen changes in the world, never before witnessed or even imagined by any of us. Music and art will save us. I know that Fran, like myself, believed this. It showed in his work and in his commitment to our industry.

We did not cross paths often, but when we did, it was always with a smile and always with an eye towards music and art. Fran you have left us far too early—we will miss your passion, your energy, and your dedication.

David Kotch, President, Criterion Acoustics

I first spoke to Fran about 15 years ago when I was a young acoustic consultant and designer about a project we were working on together. I certainly was much younger and inexperienced. I remember the conversation and thinking what a pleasant and helpful person. I stayed in contact with Fran ever since then collaborating on a variety of projects from both a design standpoint and fabrication. He was always supportive of my projects and vice versa.

His contributions to the field of recording studio design were unparalleled. He designed some of the most significant studios from Guilford Sound to Sterling Sound Mastering to the Studio at the Palms. I spoke to him five days before his passing about collaborating on a new project, and how we were both so happy the economy was starting to come back. I received the news early Sunday morning and was in shock.

Fran was one of the kindest and most professional people I had ever worked with. I will greatly miss working together with him. My condolences to his wife and children. He left us much too young.

Dave Malekpour, President, Professional Audio Design

Having worked with Fran on several mutual clients projects, he always brought his sense of humor and wit to everything. His understanding of blending musicality and artistry into his designs always made rooms feel inviting. He was also a great guy to learn from and he was always willing to share his ideas! I know we will all miss what he brought to the industry.

Randy Crafton, Owner, Kaleidoscope Sound

In any endeavor of creativity, there is the process, and there is the result. Some favor the process, some favor the result. The unique quality that Fran had was an understanding that both are important. A great room with a trail of blood and tears will never “feel” right to the client, and a great, happy, happy process with a mediocre result, well….We live with the result for a long time.

Fran always told me that he was in the compromise business. No room could be acoustically perfect, and functionally perfect. They are at odds with one another. He believed he was in the business of helping people make compromises that they could live with. When it comes down to it, doesn’t that apply to life in general? Every control room I have worked in that he created, while aesthetically different, shares a common “sound” that is reliable, true, and consistent. While he never settled on formulaic design, there is an integrity to how a room sounds that he always managed to impart.

He never used his clients’ money to conduct wild experiments. He realized that these were big investments and treated them with the respect they deserve. He was never guarded with his knowledge or experience. When we did the Patio Studio together, his apprentice Greg Morris was new to his team. I learned so much just listening to him explain to Greg what he was doing, and why. I could immediately tell that Greg was a sponge, and had an aptitude for the concepts that Fran was applying. I hope that Greg will carry on the legacy with what he has learned in his time with the master.

When Fran re-did my control room in A, he mentioned a few times that the Griffin G2B’s would really suit the room well, and be a significant upgrade from what I was using. I was not in a position to make the move at the time, and believed I was satisfied with what I was using. I was changing the room, and wanted to keep something that I was familiar with in it. Well, quite a few years later I finally realized it was time to upgrade the speakers (Fran was right).

I called him, and I could tell he was genuinely pleased the room would finally sound the way he wanted it to. Never one for the hard sell, he offered to loan me some G2B’s to audition. He even suggested some speakers that I should also consider. This was right before the Covid hit. The speakers are quite amazing, and beat out anything we tried that were in that price range. Not even close. We bought them, and had plans for him to come help with the placement of the speakers, eat Thai food, drink beer, and catch up. That is not to be. A terrible loss to our community, and it has still not sunk in. Thanks, Fran.

(l-r) Paul Wickliffe of Skyline Studios together with Fran Manzella

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