Brenda Mae Ross, AIA, NCARB, is thriving as the principal and director of critical environment at Salas O’Brien, where she has held the role since 2020. She was a vice president at the engineering and facility planning firm from 2015 to 2020 and was principal and director at KDW Salas O’Brien from 2015 to 2020. In her current position, Ms. Ross focuses on managing the architectural department’s critical environment division, which specializes in designing facilities such as data centers, emergency operation centers, and network operation centers. These buildings are engineered to remain operational at all times and must withstand various security threats, including bombings.
Ms. Ross attributes her success to her perfectionist nature and unwavering persistence. She believes in delivering only the highest quality of work, earning her a reputation for excellence. Her determination and strong work ethic have driven her consistent achievements, allowing her to stand out in her field. One of her most significant accomplishments is the design, programming, and construction of a three-story data center in Santa Clara, California. This large-scale project required a comprehensive bottom-up approach and highlighted her technical proficiency and project management skills.
Ms. Ross holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of Idaho, where she graduated in 1986. She began her career studying elementary education but discovered her passion for architecture while working for the Luca Bond Company in Denver, where she found herself particularly intrigued by the detailer’s job. This experience led her to research and ultimately pursue a career in architecture. Today, she has long since been highly credentialed by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB).
In addition to her professional achievements, Ms. Ross is genuinely involved in her community. She serves as a ride leader for the Cascade Bicycle Club and as a molecular scout for the Girl Scouts of America. Since she was eight years old, she has been learning outdoor skills, and she enjoys teaching advanced camping skills to Girl Scout leaders. In an initiative closest to her heart, Ms. Ross started a fundraising ride called Obliterate, demonstrating her commitment to making a positive impact in honor of her mother, who passed away from cancer.
Looking to the future, Ms. Ross has plans to retire in the next five to 10 years yet remains committed to giving back to the community through volunteer work and exploring the world through travel. One of her “bucket list” destinations is the Galapagos, where she hopes to immerse herself in the unique wildlife and breathtaking scenery. Her hobbies include exercise and endurance challenges, exemplified by her participation in the grueling, annual 150-mile bicycling event known as Ride Around Mount Rainier in One Day, which involves navigating difficult elevation lines with 10,000 feet of ascent.
