Trent Pearson Named to Leadership Role

We are excited to announce that Trent Pearson has stepped into a leadership role as the Great Falls/Helena Regional Buildings Market Group Office Leader.

As a fire protection engineer and licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Montana, Wyoming, and Oregon, Trent brings experience in fire protection design and construction, along with a collaborative approach to building design challenges. Trent has spent nearly five years with Morrison-Maierle, working primarily on commercial and public projects, including airport terminals, schools, higher-education facilities, and multifamily developments. Trent is pursuing a master’s degree in engineering management at Montana Tech, with graduation planned for May 2027.

For Trent, fire protection is a unique kind of design work. “Fire protection design typically begins with code compliance, but there’s more to it than that. We’re working collaboratively with architects and other engineering disciplines to find solutions that protect building occupants while also considering the building’s design, budget, and schedule. We’re designing systems that we hope will never have to operate, but they’re an essential part of building and life safety.”

That collaborative approach was important on the Stolt Hall project at the Wyoming Girls School in Sheridan, Wyoming. Morrison-Maierle provided mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and ICT design for the new school building, working closely with an engaged architect to coordinate systems within a building with a distinctive shape and architectural features. The design required more creative routing than usual, and the building’s complexity drove most of the coordination. Trent counts it among the projects he is most proud of.

Having multiple disciplines working together is a big part of how Trent sees the firm’s value. When a fire protection design encounters structural, ductwork, or plumbing issues, he can call a colleague and resolve the issue right away. “When we’re offering full services, everybody is in-house, and we know who to call to make things happen,” he says. “I think we can offer more well-coordinated, well-thought-out designs with that approach.” He carries lessons from one project into the next and enjoys learning about the challenges other disciplines face. Trent brings that mindset to his new leadership role. He sees an opportunity to build on the strengths of the existing team, support shared projects across the company, and help the group grow the firm’s presence in the Great Falls/Helena region.

Trent is currently participating in Leadership Helena, where he is enjoying getting to know the community and finding ways to get involved. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, as well as hiking, running, and camping.