Engineering the Next Generation of Data Center Infrastructure

At AE Works, we’ve partnered with clients across sectors including healthcare, government, and commercial to reimagine aging data infrastructure into modern, high-performing centers. As an integrated architecture and engineering firm, we understand the complexity of these projects—and how thoughtful planning and design can turn constraints into strategic opportunities.

In this Insights blog post, we’ll explore key design and engineering considerations for upgrading existing data centers, along with real-world project examples that highlight how strategic thinking leads to impactful, future-ready solutions.

There are many drivers behind the push to modernize existing data center environments:

• Growing Data Needs: Businesses and institutions generate more data than ever before, requiring scalable storage and processing capabilities.
• Energy Efficiency Goals: Reducing energy consumption is both an operational imperative and an environmental responsibility.
• Cost Efficiency: Renovating existing space can be significantly more cost-effective than constructing a new facility.
• Technology Evolution: Keeping pace with advancements in computing power, equipment density, and cooling technologies.
• Sustainability & LEED Objectives: Reuse of existing structures often aligns with broader operational effectiveness goals.

Upgrading infrastructure while leveraging existing assets allows organizations to extend the life of their facilities while improving performance and reliability.

Upgrading or expanding an existing data center comes with a unique set of challenges—but with the right expertise, each can be effectively addressed:

• Space and Structural Constraints: Existing facilities often have limited space and outdated layouts. Creative architectural planning, space optimization strategies, and structural analysis are essential to make expansion feasible without compromising operations.
• Minimizing Downtime: Maintaining 24/7 operations while upgrading systems is critical. Phased construction planning, detailed scheduling, and close coordination with IT and facilities teams help minimize disruption.
• Modernizing Outdated Systems: Legacy electrical, mechanical, and cooling systems may not meet today’s capacity or efficiency standards. Upgrades must be carefully integrated with existing infrastructure, requiring detailed load analysis and forward-thinking design.
• Cooling and Power Demands: As server density increases, so do cooling and energy requirements. Integrating high-efficiency HVAC systems, hot/cold aisle containment, and backup power strategies ensures reliability and performance.
• Regulatory Compliance: Existing buildings may not meet current codes or industry best practices. Navigating permitting, fire protection standards, and environmental requirements are a critical part of the design and engineering process.

With a proactive, integrated approach, these challenges can be transformed into opportunities for smarter, more resilient data center infrastructure.

Upgrading existing data centers requires a thoughtful balance between technical performance and long-term operational goals. Several key strategies guide the design and engineering process:

• Comprehensive Assessments: Effective upgrades begin with detailed site evaluations, including load studies and system performance reviews, to establish a clear understanding of current capabilities and future requirements.
  
• Phased Construction Strategies: To minimize operational disruption, upgrades are often implemented in phases, allowing critical systems to remain online throughout the process.
  
• Energy-Efficient Design: Energy efficiency is a central consideration, with a focus on optimizing HVAC systems, improving airflow management, and integrating energy recovery solutions to reduce utility costs and environmental impact.
  
• Modular and Scalable Solutions: Flexible design approaches—such as modular infrastructure—enable data centers to expand and adapt over time without requiring full system overhauls.
  
• Resiliency and Redundancy: Reliability is addressed through design elements like N+1 redundancy, backup power generation, and advanced fire suppression systems to ensure continuity and readiness in the event of disruptions.

• Armed Forces Retirement Home, GSA Design Excellence Building, Washington, DC: Data Center relocation and telecom infrastructure for 170,000-SF building.
• Bay Pines VAMC, EHRM Upgrades, Bay Pines, FL: Campus-wide upgrade of fiber to TRs and Data Center upgrades. $30M (est.)
• Atlanta VAMC, EHRM Upgrades, Atlanta, GA: Campus-wide and satellite clinics upgrade of fiber to TRs and Data Center upgrades. $37M (est.). 1.5M-SF, 36 building
• Batavia VAMC, EHRM Upgrades, Batavia, NY: Campus-wide upgrade of fiber to TRs and Data Center upgrades. $20M (est.). 15 buildings
• Bath VAMC, EHRM Upgrades, Bath, NY: Campus-wide upgrade of fiber to TRs and Data Center upgrades. $30M (est.), 25 buildings
• Canandaigua VAMC, EHRM Upgrades, Canandaigua, NY: Campus-wide upgrade of fiber to TRs and Data Center upgrades. $20M (est.), 8 buildings
• Jamaica Plain VAMC, EHRM Upgrades, Boston, MA: Campus-wide upgrade of fiber to TRs and Data Center upgrades. $36M (est.).
• Ralph H Johnson VAMC, EHRM Data Center Upgrades, Charleston, SC: Data center upgrades. $4.5M (est.).

Upgrading and expanding existing data center infrastructure requires more than technical know-how—it demands a team with specialized experience, deep credentials, and a strategic understanding of mission-critical environments.

Led by our Electrical Engineering Department Leader Debbie Fang, PE, AE Works’ expert data center team brings together professionals across disciplines whose combined knowledge ensures that every decision is informed, precise, and aligned with our clients’ goals. Debbie has 17+ years of managing mission-critical infrastructure projects. She leverages expertise in overseeing high-stakes projects to drive successful outcome in data centers and industrial facilities.

• Certified Data Center Specialists: Our team includes professionals with Data Center Design Consultant (DCDC) and Data Center Energy Practitioner (DCEP) credentials.
• Technology Infrastructure Authorities: With multiple Registered Communications Distribution Designers (RCDDs), including a Network Transport Specialist (NTS), we design high-performance communications and low-voltage systems for critical operations.
• Integrated Security and Life Safety Design: Our in-house Physical Security Specialist holds PSP, CISSP, and CPP certifications, offering more than 20 years of experience in securing sensitive facilities. [SS1] Paired with our Fire Protection Engineer—who brings three decades of design and assessment experience—our team ensures that data centers are protected, compliant, and prepared for the unexpected.
• Experienced Architects and Engineers: With a strong portfolio of data center infrastructure projects, our architects and engineers skillfully adapt existing spaces into modern, efficient, and high-performing environments that balance technical requirements with occupant needs.

By bringing this level of expertise under one roof, AE Works delivers more than just upgrades—we deliver strategic, coordinated solutions that add long-term value. Our clients trust us to navigate complexity, reduce risk, and deliver resilient, scalable data center environments built for the future.

Expanding or upgrading existing data center infrastructure is no small task—but with the right design strategy, it offers tremendous value. From energy efficiency to increased capacity and improved reliability, the benefits are clear. At AE Works, we bring the technical expertise and integrated approach needed to navigate these projects with confidence and precision.

If your organization is considering a data center upgrade or expansion, connect with us to explore how we can support your goals with thoughtful, forward-looking design.