Future-ready data centres

Modular design is a growing focus in the data centre sector, and for good reason. Clients want speed, flexibility and room to scale. But a modular approach needs to have substance. It only works when applied with purpose. Modular design is expanding beyond racks and rooms to entire data halls, where balancing engineering and construction is critical. Aligning the builder’s needs with the client’s expectations allows design to add value rather than complexity. While some builders remain cautious due to past limitations, today’s modular systems are smarter, faster and more adaptable. When applied well, they can have the power to fundamentally transform the way data centres are designed, built and scaled. 

The exponential growth of digital services, cloud computing and AI has driven unparalleled demand for data infrastructure worldwide. At the same time, operators face mounting pressures from energy consumption, environmental risk, supply chain disruptions and regulatory complexity. We understand that speed to market is critical to successful project delivery. Partnering with GHD means you’ll be equipped to address these challenges while building infrastructure that is resilient, efficient and sustainable.

• End-to-end project support: We guide every phase of your data centre project, from concept to construction, enabling a smooth integration process.
• Origination, approvals and advisory services: Our commercial and technical specialists provide business case and project origination support, bringing confidence to investment decisions.
• Multidisciplinary technical knowledge: Our teams collaborate across disciplines to deliver innovative solutions in energy, water, architecture, technology and ESG compliance.
• Sustainable solutions: We integrate environmental, social, and economic principles to deliver resilient, resource-efficient infrastructure that meets ESG goals.
• Agility and modular delivery: We design modular and prefabricated units for faster, more energy-efficient deployment and retrofitting.
• Regulatory and compliance leadership: We bring our technical authority and extensive experience to guide you through planning, permits, and compliance with national and international standards.

Data centres are changing how we approach land use and infrastructure. In urban areas, they often occupy brownfield sites, which are unsuitable for traditional development but well suited for facilities that don’t require daily foot traffic. Urban infrastructure presents a challenge: Power, water and sewer systems are already under pressure, and large data centres can add to the strain. There is also opportunity. With careful planning, data centres can deliver community benefits, such as using waste heat to warm public pools and social housing. Our teams are exploring additional ideas such as building underground and creating green space above, turning design decisions into ways to integrate data centres seamlessly into the city fabric.

In regional areas, the challenges and opportunities look different. Access to skilled staff and reliable utilities are the biggest hurdles. However, data centres can act as catalysts, supporting renewable energy projects, enabling water reuse and creating local training pathways. The key is to design with the region and community in mind, rather than applying a standard solution. 

Not all data centres are the same. Edge centres, cloud hubs and AI facilities each have different needs and impacts. Our planning must anticipate and adapt to these differences to deliver real value. Just as housing types vary, so too must data centre types. From a design perspective, this means rethinking workflows. The speed and risk profile of a data centre project is unlike anything else in infrastructure. Teams need to work consistently, act quickly and remain deeply attuned to project needs and expectations.

Looking ahead, the future of data centres will be defined by how we adapt, as well as how we build. Retrofitting will become a critical focus, as many existing facilities won’t meet the efficiency standards of tomorrow. As technology evolves, expectations on these assets will change too. Upgrading, repurposing and rethinking how data centres function will become a continuous process.

This shift demands more than technical capability. It calls for agility, foresight and a deep understanding of emerging technologies. It also requires regulatory frameworks that can keep pace. Current standards do not cover all aspects of modern data centres, and future standards will likely require increased flexibility. Planning systems must evolve to accommodate new facility types, support infrastructure upgrades and allow these assets to continue delivering value, not just to clients, but to the communities they serve.

Partner with us to design infrastructure that is efficient, scalable, community-integrated and ready for tomorrow’s challenges.