Engineering Influence from ACEC

The Data Center Boom: 5 Trends Engineering Firms Need to Know

The Data Center Boom: Five Trends Engineering Firms Need to Know
The data center market is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by artificial intelligence adoption and changing infrastructure demands. For ACEC member firms, this represents both a substantial business opportunity and a chance to shape critical national infrastructure. ACEC's latest Market Intelligence Brief reveals a market poised to reach $62 billion in design and construction spending by 2029, with implications that extend far beyond traditional data center engineering.
The launch of ChatGPT in 2022 marked an inflection point. What began as voice assistants has evolved into sophisticated language learning models that consume dramatically more energy. A standard AI query uses about 0.012 kilowatt-hours, while generating a single high-quality image requires 2.0 kWh—roughly 20 times the daily consumption of a standard LED lightbulb. As weekly ChatGPT users surged from 100 million to 700 million between November 2023 and August 2025, the infrastructure implications became impossible to ignore.
AI-driven data center power demand, which stood at just 4 gigawatts in 2024, is projected to reach 123 gigawatts by 2035. Even more striking: 70 percent of data center power demand will be driven by AI workloads. This explosive growth requires engineering solutions at unprecedented scale, from power distribution and backup systems to advanced cooling technologies and grid integration strategies.
Public perception about data center water consumption often overlooks important nuances in cooling technology. While mechanical cooling systems have historically consumed significant water resources, newer approaches could dramatically reduce water use. Free air cooling, closed-loop systems, and liquid immersion technologies offer low-water use alternatives, with some methods reducing freshwater consumption by 70 percent or more compared to traditional systems.
As Thom Jackson, mechanical engineer and partner at Dunham Engineering, notes: "Most data centers utilize closed loop cooling systems requiring no makeup water and minimal maintenance." The "big four" hyperscale operators—Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform, and Meta—have all committed to becoming water-positive by 2030, replenishing more water than they consume. These commitments are driving innovation in cooling system design and creating opportunities for engineering firms with expertise in sustainable mechanical systems.
The days of one-size-fits-all data centers are over. Latency requirements, scalability needs, and proximity to end users are accelerating adoption of diverse building types. Edge data centers bring computing closer to users for real-time applications like IoT and 5G. Hyperscale facilities support massive cloud and AI workloads with 100,000-plus servers. Colocation models enable scalable shared environments for enterprises, while modular designs—prefabricated with integrated power and cooling—offer rapid, cost-effective deployment.
Each model presents distinct engineering challenges and opportunities, from specialized HVAC systems and high floor-to-ceiling ratios for hyperscale facilities to distributed infrastructure planning for edge networks.
Two emerging trends deserve particular attention. First, the Department of Energy has selected four federal sites to host AI data centers paired with clean energy generation, including small modular reactors (SMRs). The Nuclear Regulatory Commission anticipates at least 25 SMR license applications by 2029, signaling strong demand for nuclear co-location expertise.
Second, developers are increasingly exploring adaptive reuse of underutilized office spaces, Brownfield sites, and historical buildings. These locations offer existing utility infrastructure that can reduce construction time and costs, making them attractive alternatives despite some design constraints.
Recent federal policy changes are streamlining data center deployment. Executive Order 14318 directs agencies to accelerate environmental reviews and permitting, while revisions to New Source Review under the Clean Air Act could allow construction to begin before air permits are issued. ACEC recently formed the Data Center Task Force to advocate for policies that balance speed, affordability, and national security in data center development, complimenting EO 14318.
For engineering firms, site selection expertise has become increasingly valuable. Success hinges on sales and use tax exemptions, existing power and fiber connectivity, effective community engagement, and thorough environmental risk assessment. AI-driven planning tools like UrbanFootprint and ESRI ArcGIS are helping developers evaluate site suitability, identifying opportunities for firms.
The data center market offers engineering firms a chance to lead in sustainable design, infrastructure innovation, and strategic planning at a moment when digital infrastructure has become as critical as traditional utilities.
 

Rowing Solo, Leading Strong: Debra Searle’s Journey Across An Ocean

In this episode, adventurer and leadership expert Debra Searle takes us inside her extraordinary journey of rowing solo across the Atlantic Ocean — a challenge that tested her endurance, mindset, and decision-making in ways few people ever experience. Debra reveals how those months at sea reshaped her understanding of resilience, leadership, and human potential, and how the strategies she relied on in the middle of the ocean can be applied just as powerfully in boardrooms and everyday life.
She breaks down practical, science-backed techniques for staying motivated and productive, even when circumstances feel overwhelming — from habit stacking and using external cues to the power of simple, consistent positive feedback. Debra explains how leaders can use these tools to create energized teams, improve wellbeing, and build environments where people perform at their best.
We also dive into her approaches to decision-making under pressure, navigating periods of isolation, and translating ocean-tested mental habits into effective, results-driven business practices.
If you’re looking for actionable leadership insights, mindset shifts, and stories that prove what’s possible when we push our limits, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Making Engineering Visible: Inspiring the Next Generation

At the 2025 ACEC Fall Conference, the Engineering Influence podcast takes a deep dive into an exciting new workforce initiative from ACEC Nebraska and JEO.
The episode highlights their creative outreach program—a collection of short, engaging videos and fully packaged classroom materials designed to introduce students to the many ways engineering impacts daily life. Built around the familiar categories of the Engineering Excellence Awards, each video is paired with downloadable presentations, talking points, and distribution tools that make it easy for teachers, guidance counselors, and engineering firms to bring real-world engineering into schools.
The initiative aims to spark curiosity, strengthen educator–industry connections, and build a clearer pathway for young people to explore engineering careers—ultimately helping grow a stronger, more informed workforce pipeline.

Rethink Engineering: Kaihan Krippendorff on Strategy, AI, and the Fourth Option

At the ACEC 2025 Fall Conference in San Diego, McKinsey alum and OutThinkers podcast host Kaihan Krippendorff discusses how to "think differently" in an era of rapid technological change and AI. He shares his OutThinking framework for strategy and decision-making and explains the importance of the "job to be done" using examples like Apple and the MP3 revolution.
Kaihan argues leaders should redefine what their firm truly does (focus on outcomes, not just technical deliverables), coordinate ecosystem partners, and create cultures that activate internal entrepreneurs. He emphasizes practical steps: imagine different futures, expand option sets, choose and test ideas, and build buy-in while accepting that many bets will fail but a few will pay off.
Practical takeaways include reframing your business around customer outcomes, partnering across the ecosystem, and encouraging experimentation inside the firm. 

Engineering Outlook 2025: Growth, Tariffs & the Workforce Crunch

In this episode, we sit down with Jon Gray of Rockport Analytics. He shares an in-depth look at the economic outlook for the engineering and design industry.
Gray explores how firms are navigating a complex landscape — balancing continued revenue and employment growth with new challenges on the horizon. He discusses the slower-than-expected rollout of IIJA funds, uncertainty surrounding tariffs, and the growing strain of workforce shortages influenced by immigration trends.
The conversation also turns toward the future: how artificial intelligence could become both a productivity catalyst and a transformative force, reshaping how engineering firms manage projects, talent, and technology.
Whether you’re an industry leader, economist, or engineer, this episode offers valuable insights into what’s driving today’s market — and what lies ahead for the business of engineering.

From Curiosity to Impact: How AI Is Transforming Engineering Firms

In this episode, industry leaders from RJC Engineering and OpenAsset explore how forward-thinking engineering firms can embrace artificial intelligence (AI) in a way that’s strategic, sustainable, and tailored to real business needs.
From developing internal AI policies and establishing solid data management frameworks, to launching pilot projects that demonstrate measurable value, our guests break down the key steps firms can take to build trust and momentum across their teams.
They share practical, field-tested insights on:
Governance and change management — ensuring innovation aligns with company culture and client expectations.
Data quality and product design — why clean, well-structured information fuels smarter, more efficient AI tools.
Workflow transformation — how automation and AI can streamline proposals, marketing, and operations, freeing staff to focus on creative, high-value work.
This conversation also highlights how industry-specific tools are paving the way for agent-driven workflows that will reshape how engineering professionals collaborate, deliver projects, and drive business growth.
Whether you’re an engineering leader, marketer, or tech innovator, this episode offers clear guidance on how to start your AI journey with confidence—and prepare your firm for the next wave of digital transformation.

From Family Roots to Flood Relief: Young Professional of the Year – Sarah McEwen’s Engineering Path

Join host Shreya Jain as she delves into the inspiring journey of Sarah McEwen, the ACEC Young Professional of the Year and H&H lead. In this interview, Sarah shares her path into civil engineering, influenced by family and her passion for water resources.
Discover her impactful work mapping the stormwater system in Moss Point, which significantly benefits the community. Sarah also highlights the mentors who have guided her and offers invaluable advice to young engineers: stay curious, learn from mistakes, and never hesitate to seek help. This engaging conversation is a must-watch for anyone interested in engineering and personal growth.

Engineering Workforce Playbook: Rebranding the "E"

This episode from ACEC's 2025 Fall Conference in San Diego features Eric Rensel discussing the Engineering Workforce Consortium, the newly released workforce playbook, and how industry and associations are addressing a long-term talent shortage by combining technology with people-focused strategies. He discusses rebranding the engineering profession, creating mid-career on-ramps, integrating data and AI roles, the Engineering Public Works Roadshow, and next steps toward the EWC summit and practical, proven tactics to recruit and retain talent.