Andrew Robinson, Associate Director at Turner & Townsend and Anita Lakshmipathy, MEP Cost Manager at Turner & Townsend, were interviewed about the data center industry, the company’s culture, and their vision for the future.

Can you provide an overview of Turner & Townsend’s approach to data center construction?

Andy: “Compared to other areas of construction I’m familiar with, data center consultancy/construction is a relatively small group of people and organisations (and clients) that collectively achieve more than some of its parts alone. Turner & Townsend is no different. We’re well connected throughout Europe and the rest of the world, and through sharing ideas as well as lessons learned, we can tailor solutions to the challenges our clients face. Our core services would be cost management, project management and project controls to PM+ or PMC. At the heart of it are our toolkits and data that we have collected throughout these successful projects. But we don’t just keep this information to ourselves, every year we produce a Turner & Townsend Data Centre Cost Index. This is the 8th year that we have been showcasing this information. It is a mix of a global construction cost benchmarking and a collection of insights, highlighting trends and providing forecasts.”

What trends and challenges are you currently seeing in the data center construction industry?

Andy: “One unique challenge we are observing is of land and supply shortages. It’s increasingly difficult to find suitable locations, and this issue is prevalent across all regions. Additionally, we are facing water restrictions which complicate the construction and operation of data centers. There is also a noticeable skills shortage. We often have to rely on the same pool of contractors, which can lead to bottlenecks and delays. On the technological front, artificial intelligence is becoming a significant trend. Previously, the focus was on cloud computing to manage and store data externally. Now, AI is revolutionizing the industry by requiring more computing capacity in a smaller space, potentially making systems 5-10 times more powerful. In terms of innovation, there is a strong push towards sustainable power sources. Data centers need to integrate clean energy solutions such as solar and wind power to become more efficient and environmentally friendly. Moreover, the industry is exploring ways to reuse waste.”

How does Turner & Townsend ensure cost management in large-scale data center projects?

Anita: “The first step in our process is assembling the best team possible. It’s crucial to ensure a team with the right mix of experience and expertise on similar projects, incorporating both local professionals and, if necessary, global industry specialists. This diverse team approach helps us achieve optimum results in a seamless fashion. With all stakeholders we work closely from the pre-construction stage through to the project’s closing and proper handover. For any large-scale data center project, we understand the importance of a robust cost report template. This template is continuously monitored and updated throughout the project lifecycle, with reports issued to our clients monthly.

Taking ownership and collaborating with the general contractor is relevant to develop the project schedule, highlighting key milestones. We drive and support all contract negotiation and procurement activities, ensuring that any risks are identified and mitigated promptly. Our delivery model is always tailored to suit the client’s specific needs. We understand that each project is unique, and we adapt our strategies to meet the particular requirements and goals of our clients. This flexibility and client-focused approach are central to our success in managing costs effectively.”

How would you describe the company culture at Turner & Townsend?

Anita: “Our culture is rooted in collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to professional growth. We foster an environment where employees are encouraged to share ideas and work together to solve complex challenges. We also place a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion. Our Netherlands’ office has people with over 20 different nationalities, that’s amazing! I also like that there is lot of focus on open and effective communication within the company.”

What type of colleagues are you looking to hire at Turner & Townsend?

Anita: “Our teams are constantly on the lookout for passionate professionals who are experts in their fields, particularly in project management, cost management, and consulting. Individuals who are proactive, adaptable, and have a strong commitment to delivering excellence will thrive in our team.”

Can you highlight some of the current vacancies at Turner & Townsend?

Andy: “There’s a high demand for data center specialists which are critical as we continue to expand our footprint in the data center construction sector. Additionally, there is a significant hiring need to grow our Energy and Natural Resources sector. This area is a major focus for our global business, and we are actively seeking professionals with expertise in these fields to support our strategic growth initiatives.”

What excites you most about the future of Turner & Townsend?

Andy: “I’m particularly excited about the advancements we are making in our digital toolkit. We have been developing tools to enhance efficiency and consistency across all geographies. This includes more automation, live estimates, and benchmarking of project elements, which will significantly improve our project delivery capabilities. Additionally, I look forward to contributing to a more sustainable energy network.”

Anita: “I am thrilled about our growth trajectory and the opportunity to work on groundbreaking projects with a talented and diverse team. The perspectives and innovative approaches are vital to our success and make Turner & Townsend an exciting place to work.”