Data Centre Consultants

As data centre consultants, the team at Mitchell McDermott has experience and a deep understanding of the aspects related to the procurement and construction of new data centres in Ireland, Europe and across the globe.

The challenges around data centres and other Mission-Critical projects are rather unique. Our expertise will help you complete all stages of your data centre project successfully; from site selection and feasibility assessment, permitting / preconstruction, power analysis and grid connection, the design stage, procurement, construction, commissioning and handover. We are also working at the cutting edge of next generation AI deployment in data centre construction, with direct-to-chip liquid cooling.

Partner with our Mission-Critical team to future-proof your data centre. Our expertise in data centre development ensures your project is built to meet evolving needs.
Contact us to stay ahead of the curve. 

Data Centre Consultancy Services 

Mitchell McDermott provides a broad range of consultancy services with the objective of pre-empting and proactively working to help overcome the client’s challenges regarding mission-critical data centre construction.

Our services include the following essentials. 

Project Management

Enhance your data centre project with our tailored and hands-on project management services. With our expertise, we can coordinate every aspect of these complex and technical projects. We can assist delivery of all stages, from data centre design to overseeing construction and delivery. Our robust approach to project controls ensure adherence to programme, particularly when long-lead equipment is required.  

Our team’s expert guidance and meticulous attention to detail can guide you through the mitigation of risks, engineering solutions, procurement and project development budgets, to ensure your project is delivered on time, within budget and to the highest quality standards.

Site Selection and Feasibility Studies

We assist data centre developers to evaluate and choose suitable site locations for their facilities. It’s critical that a data centre project has access to a power supply and high speed fibre internet connectivity. In addition, environmental conditions are also a consideration. Our feasibility assessments give you objective insights on project and cost viability, providing you with options so you can make informed decisions based on practical and long-term considerations.

Utilities

As part of the Site Selection / Feasibility stage, we will assess the existing infrastructure including access, water and foul, fibre, gas and, most importantly, analyse the power and grid connection. The feasibility study will look at the site as a whole to ensure that the test fits proposed include for any substations required, and assess the viability of renewable energy options or Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).

Pre-construction / Permitting 

With an in-depth understanding of data centre projects, we can help you through the permitting phase. Permitting requirements vary from country to country. At the initial stages, we will assess the local permitting requirements and building regulations / code, and outline the strategy to achieve required permits within the agreed programme.

Types of permits include Zoning or Land Use permits, Environmental and Sustainability Permits, Building / Construction Permits (Planning Permissions) required prior to commencement, Fire Safety and Accessibility Permits, Security Permits, Certificate of Compliances at Construction Completion / Building Control Certificate. Our team will ensure the correct consultants are appointed at appropriate stages to secure required permits in line with the master programme.

Procurement of Owner-Furnished Contractor Installed (OFCI) Equipment

We provide specialist package managers and OFCI managers on our project management team who coordinate with cost managers for procuring packages directly. As part of our OFCI process, at project set-up stage we clearly define the scope and identify which materials and equipment will be OFCI. We determine the Client, Vendors and Contractor’s responsibilities, with clear roles and responsibilities defined. We develop a detailed schedule, budget and timeline for procurement and installation, in line with key milestones and the project programme. Our team will then lead the procurement of the OFCI equipment and use our Technical Bid Analysis sheet to recommend suitable vendors.

Construction Stage

During the construction stage, our project teams manage all phases of the build, including cashflows, programme, contractors, OFCI vendors, compliance with technical specifications, safety standards, and client requirements. We liaise between stakeholders, track progress and risks, resolve issues, and adapt to the project’s needs to ensure project completion on time, within scope, and fully operational.

Handover and Commissioning

Our project managers ensure all systems are tested, validated, and meet performance standards. We ensure the comissioning standards are understood and captured in the CIP and we work with contractors, OFCI vendors and CxA to coordinate inspections, tests and oversee the resolution of any issues, to ensure all systems function as designed. We work closely with our client, operations teams and CxA to ensure a smooth transition to live operation, delivering a fully functional and ready-to-use data centre.

Cost Management

Our team are experienced in providing specialised data centre construction cost management services. These are some of our consulting services that can support you to achieve your Mission Critical project’s commercial objectives.

Data Centre Benchmarking

Our team can exploit their extensive experience on mission critical and data centres across the globe to benchmark project efficiency in terms of cost, programme and design. Our extensive database of projects can inform clients and design teams on what makes an efficient project. We also use benchmarking to highlight cost spikes on a project and identify value creation opportunities.

Early Stage Cost Planning and OMCs

We develop detailed cost plans at the earliest stage of a project. Where detailed design is not available, we apply our extensive mission critical and data centre project knowledge to inform a detailed plan and budget for the project team to design to. This results in pro-active cost and programme management from the earliest stage of a project. All elements are measured and priced in detail, using current market and benchmark rates, from the building’s civils and structure elements, through to fit-out, mechanical and electrical elements, fire protection, security, power distribution, critical power and equipment, and substations.

Detailed Design

As mission critical and data centre projects progress to detailed design, we will manage the project design team and contractors to ensure the detailed design is being developed in line with detailed cost plans and budgets. Our cost management team will proactively mitigate deviations from budget design and identify inefficiencies or value creation opportunities throughout the detailed design process. Our cost managers will also implement a change control process, should the client wish to deviate from the planned scope. Our detailed cost plans and budgets will incorporate cost mechanisms to facilitate design development and scope changes.

Tendering and contract placement

Our cost management team are experts at managing tender processes right through to contract recommendation and award. We will assist in the strategic selection of project partners by way of detailed, informed procurement strategies and pre-qualification processes. The tender process then includes informing the design team of tender document requirements in advance of preparing fully measured and priced tender documents and bills of quantities for issue to the market. During the tender stage, our cost management team will manage the tender process by way of mid tender queries and clarification management, mid bid meeting management, post bid meeting management, tender analysis, scope gap analysis, value creation identification and tender report and recommendation for award.

Construction and Project Close Out

Our cost management teams will ensure budget adherence throughout the construction stages of mission critical and data centre projects by strict change control procedures, monitoring of the project budget, rolling live cost reporting, monthly measured payment valuations and payment recommendations, purchase order and vendor management and detailed final account projections right through to project completion. Regular site attendance and collaboration with the project team will ensure successful project close out with detailed final account recommendations and agreements.

Discover how our data centre expertise and cutting-edge design knowledge can propel your project forward. Email us at hello@mitchellmcdermott.com to learn more. 

Keeping Up With Future Trends for Data Centres and AI

At Mitchell McDermott, we are at the forefront of advancements in next-generation AI and cutting-edge technologies like direct-to-chip liquid cooling. Our experience in integrating advanced technologies and sustainable solutions ensures our clients stay ahead, by leveraging efficient cooling solutions for high-density AI workloads, reducing costs, and unlocking the full potential of emerging AI hardware innovations.

By embracing these innovations, we not only meet the current operational requirements of our data centre clients, but future-proof their data centre facilities against the evolving technological landscape, and deliver exceptional value in the development of mission-critical infrastructure.

Mitchell McDermott: Data-Led Mission-Critical Facility Support   

Founded in 2015 by Paul Mitchell and Anthony McDermott, our Dublin-based consultancy stands out among the construction industry in Ireland for its unique director-led and data-driven approach.  

As a full-service firm, the Mitchell McDermott team has data centre expertise in project management, funder advisory, specialist services, and quantity surveying.  

These services form part of our data centre consulting offering and are also applicable to a range of other sectors. We support ambitious companies to build efficiently and sustainably.     

Connect with us to make your project a reality. Our experts excel in delivering mission critical facilities built for sustainability. Reach out to collaborate with the industry leaders.