Why on earth would an Architect want to work on Data Centres?

When you study to become an Architect, the idea of designing Data Centres probably is not the first thing that comes into your imagination. I mean, after all, why would it?

At University you learn about iconic and important projects such as Falling Water and the Villa Savoye.

Also being in London, it’s hard not to be taken aback by the awe-inspiring Shard as well as revolutionary and timeless projects such as the Lloyds Building.

So you’d be forgiven for thinking why the heck did I study for 5 years to design buildings that not everyone sees, or often appreciates, but actually affects everyone’s lives.

I know, I know. But hear me out for a little longer. Data Centres are not a bunch of servers in a shed in a field anymore, they’ve moved way beyond that. These are complicated buildings with state of the art technology that people work in. It’s a technical feat and a huge challenge.

And here’s where it gets interesting. Do you know what two industry sectors were still recruiting during the start of the pandemic? Modular Residential housing and, yes, you got it – Data Centres.

Everyone is using their phones and the cloud, meaning this part of the Architecture Industry is secure and well paid. The salaries are typically a step up from other sectors I’ve seen once you gain the industry knowledge. It’s a growing sector too, and that is why an Architecture Practice I’ve worked with for many years is expanding its Data Centre team.

Don’t worry too much about if you’ve worked in the Data Centre sector, that’d be a bonus but really the important thing is enthusiasm and knowing Revit enough not to crash the BIM model. Experience in modular buildings, commercial schemes, education or healthcare are great projects for transferrable skills.

Initially working remotely with a view to working in the Office some days of the week near the River Thames in Central London when safe.

So what do you say, think you can be one of the first to get a Data Centre featured in Dezeen? As long as you work hard you’ll be paid well and not have to worry about job security in this growing industry.