Lead Architect - Data Center

Job Description

The Lead Architect – Data Center will act as a design lead and technical authority responsible for end-to-end architectural delivery of mission-critical data center projects, from concept (LOD200) to construction (LOD350).

This role requires strong expertise in data center planning, multidisciplinary coordination (MEP-heavy), constructability, and BIM-led delivery, ensuring designs meet performance, resilience, and operational requirements.

You will lead client engagement, design development, and team delivery, ensuring high-quality, compliant, and buildable solutions.

Key Responsibilities

1. Design Leadership & Project Ownership (CORE ROLE)

• Lead architectural design across:
  • Concept / Master Planning (LOD200)
  • Schematic & Design Development (LOD300)
  • IFC / Construction Documentation (LOD350)
• Define:
  • Data hall layouts (hot/cold aisle planning)
  • Functional zoning (critical vs non-critical areas)
  • Support spaces (MEP rooms, BMS rooms, security zones)

2. Data Center Planning & Technical Design

• Develop:
  • Campus planning (including ancillary buildings, substations, yards)
  • Space planning aligned with:
    • MEP requirements
    • Redundancy strategies (N+1 / 2N)
• Integrate:
  • Architecture with HVAC, electrical, and ELV systems
• Address:
  • Fire compartmentation
  • Egress and life safety
  • Security zoning and access control layouts
• Permitting Drawings for DC site and campus.
  • Good knowledge and understanding of permitting drawings.

3. Multidisciplinary Coordination (CRITICAL)

• Lead coordination with:
  • Mechanical, Electrical, ELV, Structural teams
• Resolve:
  • Spatial conflicts (MEP routing, plant spaces, clearances)
• Participate in:
  • BIM coordination and clash detection reviews
• Ensure:
  • Fully coordinated, constructible designs
  • Permitting coordination with external consultants.

4. BIM & Digital Delivery

• Lead concept design using AutoCAD (mandatory)
• Lead BIM-based delivery using: Revit (mandatory)
• Review: Models, drawings, and documentation
• Ensure: LOD compliance (100 → 400)
• Accurate schedules and documentation

5. Client Engagement & Stakeholder Management

• Act as:
  • Primary architectural interface with clients
• Lead:
  • Design presentations
  • Technical discussions and reviews
• Translate:
  • Client requirements into design solutions

6. Construction Support & Site Coordination

• Support:
  • Construction phase activities
• Review:
  • Shop drawings
  • RFIs and site issues
• Conduct:
  • Site visits and technical audits
• Ensure:
  • Design intent is maintained during execution

7. Team Leadership & Quality Control

• Lead and mentor:
  • Architects, BIM modelers, junior engineers
• Ensure:
  • Design quality and consistency
• Manage:
  • Deliverables, timelines, and coordination

Mandatory Skills & Experience

1. Technical Expertise

• Strong experience in:
  • Data Center / mission-critical architecture
• Expertise in:
  • Space planning and technical detailing
  • MEP coordination (very critical)
• Experience in:
  • Hyperscale / colocation projects

2. Tools & Digital Capability

• Revit (mandatory – BIM-led delivery)
• AutoCAD
• NavisWorks
• Knowledge of visualization tools (Enscape, Lumion, etc.)

3. Standards & Compliance

• Knowledge of:
  • NBC / IBC
  • Fire & life safety codes
  • Data center design standards (TIA-942 – awareness level minimum)

4. Communication (NON-NEGOTIABLE)

• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Ability to:
  • Lead client discussions
  • Coordinate across disciplines
  • Drive design decisions

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s / master’s in architecture
• 10+ years’ experience
• 5+ years in Data Center / mission-critical projects
• Experience in: Hyperscale campuses,Substation / utility integration
• Exposure to:Construction administration,Global projects

Additional Information

Ramboll in India

Ramboll has more than 1,000 experts working across five offices in India applying their passion to deliver innovative solutions in markets as diverse as Buildings, Transport, Planning & Urban Design, Water, Environment & Health and Energy. Founded in Denmark, Ramboll is a people company. We invite you to contribute to a sustainable future working in an open, collaborative and empowering culture.

How to apply

Apply online. Attach your CV, cover letter and relevant documents showcasing why you are the right fit for the role, and when you are available to start. We look forward to receiving your application.