HKA experts Helen Collie, Ken McLean, and Gerry Brannigan have contributed to DLA’s Online Insights 2026, offering a forward-looking analysis of how artificial intelligence (AI), sustainability mandates, and evolving client requirements are reshaping the design and delivery of data centres worldwide. 

They highlight that traditional design templates, designed for storage and legacy workloads, are rapidly becoming obsolete. AI-driven compute density is driving unprecedented power and cooling demands, while net-zero targets and fire safety considerations add further complexity. These pressures are forcing a fundamental rethink of design standards and delivery models. 

“Data centres are entering a new era. Success will depend on anticipating change rather than reacting to it. That means integrating advanced cooling technologies, planning for grid constraints, and embedding sustainability solutions from the outset.” 

Helen Collie, Partner, Forensic Technical Services, EMEA

The insights warn that insufficient grid capacity, late-stage equipment changes, and speed-to-build pressures will intensify delivery risks unless teams adopt collaborative, multi-disciplinary design processes. Future-ready facilities will require early integration of technologies such as liquid and immersion cooling, alongside energy recovery strategies like district heat network connections to avoid costly clashes. 

• Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems now sit at the heart of data centre complexity. AI workloads are driving the adoption and research of advanced cooling technologies (e.g., liquid and immersion systems) that must be planned and integrated early to avoid clashes and inefficiencies. 

• Structural delivery must accommodate mission-critical equipment safely and efficiently, often within non-traditional layouts dominated by cooling and power infrastructure. Speed-to-build pressures can clash with the precision required for complex systems. 

In DLA’s Insight’s article, HKA’s experts set out five key predictions for the year ahead 

“Teams that build for tomorrow, not yesterday, will win. Considering radical changes in layout and technology integration, escalating coordination risks, and stepping up to the growing influence of sustainability and procurement challenges will help reduce scope gaps and ensure projects that are fit for the future. The future of data centres is multi-disciplinary and deeply coordinated.” 

Gerry Brannigan, Partner, Forensic Technical Services Growth Development Lead

Read the full article here

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