About
Ross Design is an Atlanta based architecture studio founded in 1997.
Led by principal Robert Ross AIA and working with associates Bharath Srinivasan and Emily Slappy, the firm currently has local, regional and national projects under development. From vision to reality, we craft architectural projects that reflect our clients' ambitions and redefine their expectations.
Meet Our Team
Robert Ross, AIA
A graduate of Georgia Tech, Robert has since put down deep roots living inside the perimeter, where he’s watched Atlanta transform into the urban center it is today.
His architectural career began as a draftsman at Architectural Design Concepts in 1984 where he advanced to Vice President for Design by 1997. But he always felt the need to express his own concepts and designs, which culminated in the founding of Ross Design, Inc.
As a member of the American Institute of Architects, Robert believes that good design does not happen in a vacuum. To that end he began the Atlanta Chapter of the AIA’s Custom Residential Architects Network (CRAN) as a way to build relationships and community among Atlanta’s Residential Architects. Continuing Education is a way of life, not merely a requirement to check off.
Believing strongly that you should practice what you preach, Robert has lived in the same home in the Ormewood Park neighborhood for over three decades. And it’s here that he’s slowly evolved his home to match the changing needs of his family, while working to improve the community.
When he’s not creating, you’ll find Robert in the garden where he’s transformed the landscape of his backyard into a lush parklike setting. And, while he does love a good walk on the Beltline, visit to a museum or live theater, his love of architectural design is never far from his mind, planning many family vacations around historical sites and tours.
Bharath Srinivasan, Assoc. AIA
Bharath earned his bachelor's degree in architecture from the National Institute of Technology, Bhopal, in 2017. He then gained valuable experience working with a variety of architecture firms, contributing to projects ranging from airport master planning to residential and multifamily residential projects. He went on to pursue his master's degree at Georgia Tech, graduating in 2024.
He believes in the transformative power of architecture to create spaces that elevate the user experience. He approaches every task with a solution-focused mindset and values teamwork. You can often find him sketching on a drawing board, as he finds the tactile process helps him resolve details and generate new ideas. He is particularly passionate about graphic design and presentation, always striving to make a powerful impression.
He loves riding his motorcycle to work and on weekends, exploring the North Georgia mountains. When he's not on his bike, he is studying for his AREs. He also enjoys photography, cooking, and coffee. Coming from a background of rich cultural exposure in India, he values learning about and sharing different cultures.
Emily Slappy
Emily earned her Bachelor of Science in Interior Architecture from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in 2022. She immediately spent four formative years at a Knoxville architecture firm, gaining extensive, hands-on experience across all design phases—from concept to construction documentation. This well-rounded exposure cultivated her expertise in both architecture and interior design, reinforcing her belief in their essential, symbiotic relationship for creating unified, beautiful, and successful designs.
Emily's design philosophy is about crafting experiences, transcending mere aesthetics. She aims to design for the magic and wonder a space can exude, understanding the environment's profound influence on people. She meticulously shapes spaces to invoke desired emotions, trigger memories, and guide positive behaviors, believing every detail, regardless of scale, deserves utmost consideration. She approaches each project with enthusiasm, excitement, and a commitment to collaboration, prioritizing a close, trusting client relationship to fully realize their unique visions and needs.
Beyond her career, Emily maintains a vibrant personal life, enjoying drawing and hiking for balance and inspiration. She treasures time with friends and family and shares her home with two beloved cats. She is an avid traveler, seeking diverse cultures and architectural inspiration, and enjoys the local music scene in the greater Atlanta area.