BRIANNE HALL
ASSE INTERNATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS
From an early interest in architecture to becoming a nationally recognized leader in the plumbing engineering industry, Brianne Hall, PE, CPD, ASSE 6060, LEED AP BD+C, GGP, has built her career through curiosity, determination, and a commitment to elevating standards. As a senior mechanical engineer at Fishbeck’s Novi, Michigan, office and a key figure within ASSE International, Hall’s professional journey reflects the importance of adaptability, persistence, and a commitment to lifting others through leadership.
Hall’s path into the HVAC and plumbing field wasn’t linear. Like many engineers, she began her career exploring different sectors before finding her fit. While many engineering graduates gravitate toward automotive or aerospace — especially in the Detroit area — Hall understood early on it wasn’t for her.
“I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do, but I was very happy knowing engineering was the right place for me,” she says. “I had an interest in architecture. When I first got out of college, I was working for Cummins, which was diesel engines, and I didn’t really enjoy that.”
After relocating to Maryland in search of new opportunities, Hall discovered an advertisement for a drafting position.
“I applied for that, and they were worried because I didn’t have any experience, but they hired me as an electrical drafter,” she says. “And then once I proved my CAD skills, within a couple weeks they moved me over to the mechanical side. And then that’s when I really got started in this industry.”
That was a turning point, but the foundation of Hall’s interest in engineering and the built environment had been laid long before through the tutelage of her father, David Rootes.
“My dad had his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and his master’s in mechanical engineering and worked most of his career in mechanical engineering,” she says. Growing up in a hands-on, engineering-focused household, Hall was constantly exposed to problem-solving and technical thinking.
“I’m very much like my father, and it was clear from a young age that I was going to follow in his path,” she says. “And he certainly promoted that, too. He was always stressing the math and sciences at a young age in school. That’s where he really wanted to see me excel.”
As the elder of two children, Hall was raised in an environment that emphasized independence, responsibility, and excellence.
“My dad, he had high expectations of me, and he was strict on me growing up,” she says. “I had to make certain grades; I had to have a job. I had to be involved on sports teams. Even going away to college, he had a list of rules for me to follow and priorities.
“He wanted me to be independent in my life. He didn’t want me to have to rely on anybody else. And certainly, as a woman, he didn’t want me to have to depend on a man.”
His foresight extended to skills outside the classroom.
“He had a rule that I had to be on the golf team in high school because he wanted me to be able to play with men in the industry,” she says. “Golf is something I still play to this day. And he was right. Being able to get out on the golf course and discuss business is something that happens. You form relationships out there. There are a lot of women who don’t golf in the industry and they’re missing out on that opportunity.”
Today, Hall finds her greatest professional satisfaction not just in her engineering projects, but in her involvement with professional organizations — especially ASSE International.
“I mean, I enjoy my day-to-day job, and it is amazing to be driving, see a building and know I had a part in that. I designed that HVAC system, or I designed that plumbing system,” she says. “But working with ASSE, on the development of the ASSE 6060 certification for medical gas designers, I consider that my biggest accomplishment. I’m very proud that we were able to get that out there.”
Seeing others embrace and benefit from the ASSE 6060 credential has only reinforced her belief in the importance of standards and certification.
“It’s amazing because that was just launched a few years ago and now I see people popping up all over in different magazine articles and you see them having that ASSE 6060 credential,” she says. “It’s great to know that training is now available for designers and engineers and they’re passing an exam to hold that credential. I’m really proud of that.”
Halls involvement with ASSE began in 2015 after attending the International Plumbing Code hearings with a local development group. What started as curiosity quickly evolved into leadership.
“I was hearing a lot of discussion about ASSE because the ASSE standards are in the code,” she says. “Coming out of that, I felt like I should join ASSE because I wanted to understand more about the standards that were in the code.”
Today, Hall serves on the ASSE International Board of Directors and chairs both the Seal Control Board and the Membership Committee. “I am extremely lucky to hold those positions. I’m really proud of the Membership Committee work we’ve been doing, working hard on expanding membership benefits and creating membership videos to promote ASSE.”
Outside of her professional life, Hall enjoys sports, concerts, and travel — especially when she can pair personal interests with professional engagements.
“Being involved with the societies, we get to go to different locations,” she says. “So, I always try and add on an extra day or two for myself to get out and explore.
Geoff Bilau
Last modified: July 2, 2025