When I first arrived in the United States as an international architect, I never imagined that my most defining projects would be the ones nobody ever sees. Unlike museums or high-rises that shape a city’s skyline, data centers are quiet powerhouses, designed to be secure, efficient, and hidden in plain sight — yet they hold up the entire digital world.
What I’ve learned about data center design
At first glance, designing data centers isn’t about visual impact — it’s about performance, coordination, and precision. These buildings are shaped not by aesthetics but by function: the needs of artificial intelligence, cloud storage, streaming services, and even the infrastructure behind your favorite social media platform.
Since moving to the U.S., I’ve learned how architectural priorities shift when your client is a hyperscale tech firm or an AI company. In this context, the margin for error disappears. Deadlines are tight. Coordination with structural, electrical, and mechanical systems becomes the heart of the process.
Fortunately, as a BIM specialist, I realized early on that my skillset was essential to contribute meaningfully. The level of collaboration required was unlike anything I had experienced before. Compared to my previous work — on residential buildings, commercial spaces, and competition entries — the flow of information in data center projects is both intense and constant.
Working in a data center project
Naturally, it was overwhelming at first. I was new to the team, the country, and the project type. So I focused on a simple strategy: be the person who’s there to help — to understand, coordinate, and support, quickly and reliably.
That approach paid off. Within a few months, I felt more confident than ever. I even got the opportunity to be closer to the client, supporting coordination calls and responding to real-time needs. Through that experience, I came to understand that architecture is not just about drawings — it’s also about communication, trust, and problem-solving.
Function over form — But still architecture
At one point, I wondered whether these highly technical projects would disconnect me from design creativity. Surprisingly, the opposite happened. I discovered a new kind of architectural innovation — where beauty lies in the logic, integration, and performance of the building systems.
In these environments, everything has a reason:
- Server rooms demand optimized cooling strategies (many using closed-loop systems to reduce water consumption).
- Redundancy systems are essential — from power to connectivity — to guarantee 99.999% uptime.
- Security is extreme, often influencing layouts, entry points, and visibility.
Sustainability is a challenge for data center architecture— and a Priority
Of course, data centers are energy-intensive. In one project, I learned that generating a simple AI prompt can consume a surprising amount of energy and water. As a result, sustainable design is becoming not just a goal but a necessity.
In practice, I’ve worked with teams implementing air-cooled systems, LEED strategies, and building orientation studies to minimize environmental impact. One of the most rewarding aspects of my job has been seeing how architects can push for these changes — even in buildings most people will never enter.
Reflections for international architects
Looking back, being an architect from Argentina working in such a highly technical U.S. sector has been both challenging and rewarding. It has sharpened my coordination skills, deepened my understanding of BIM’s potential, and shown me that architecture isn’t only about what you see — it’s also about what supports the world behind the scenes.
Over time, I became fascinated by the world of data centers. Once you understand their scale and impact on nearly every aspect of modern life, you realize this is a space where architecture can truly make a difference. For architects like me, it’s the perfect place to use your skills to build a more connected, more sustainable, and ultimately better world.
