How do you fast-track a high-performance data center in less than 100 days without compromising on efficiency, reliability, or customization? The answer lies in precision planning, superior fabrication, and a specialized HVAC partner like Design Mechanical, Inc. As data demands continue to skyrocket and commercial spaces are repurposed to meet this evolving need, finding HVAC solutions for data centers 30MW and under—especially in renovated buildings—has become both a challenge and an opportunity. In this post, we’ll explore how Design Mechanical’s expertise, fabrication shop, and dedicated piping division make them the go-to contractor for fast-track, custom climate control systems in mid-sized data centers.
The Demand for Scalable Data Center HVAC Solutions
With global data creation projected to reach over 180 zettabytes by 2025, the need for reliable, efficient, and rapidly deployable data centers is more urgent than ever. While hyperscale facilities dominate headlines, the fastest growing segment lies in mid-sized, urban data centers—often developed in renovated buildings. These facilities, typically under 30MW, require a mechanical construction partner capable of working within legacy structures while delivering modern HVAC performance. That’s where Design Mechanical’s fast-track approach makes a critical impact.
Fast-Tracking HVAC in Under 100 Days: The Kansas City Case Study
Design Mechanical recently completed a major data center project in Kansas City in just under 100 days. That aggressive timeline was achieved thanks to in-house capabilities, an agile mechanical piping team, and decades of expertise in complex retrofits. Rather than outsource fabrication or project design, Design Mechanical used its on-site resources to deliver custom-built components quickly and precisely.
- Fast-track completion: Entire HVAC system installed in under 100 days.
- Customized components: On-site fabrication ensured exact fit and efficiency.
- Retrofit-ready expertise: Specialized knowledge for working within older building frameworks.
Fabrication Capabilities Designed for Data Centers
One of Design Mechanical’s key differentiators is its state-of-the-art fabrication shop, which allows for custom HVAC components to be designed, built, and tested before they ever reach the job site. This accelerates timelines, reduces labor hours, and guarantees precise system integration—critical for data center environments where every degree and second count.
Supporting Turnkey Data Center Projects Up to 30MW
Whether you’re deploying a new facility or upgrading an existing one, mid-sized data centers (up to 30MW) present unique thermal challenges. Design Mechanical offers complete mechanical construction services that address all stages—from system evaluation to final commissioning—with special focus on the high loads and redundancy requirements typical in mission-critical facilities.
- Custom fabrication for chilled water and steam systems.
- Underground piping installation for improved airflow and aesthetics.
- Integration of compressed air and caustic piping when needed for specialized server cooling applications.
Renovated Buildings: Challenges and Opportunities in HVAC Design
As more urban areas look to repurpose commercial and industrial real estate into operational data centers, contractors are tasked with designing mechanical systems that can adapt to existing infrastructure. Renovations add variables such as load restrictions, legacy systems, and unexpected obstacles that only experienced teams can manage. With over two decades of experience, Design Mechanical thrives in this environment.
Mechanical Piping Team: A Force of Specialists
What sets Design Mechanical apart in complex retrofit projects is its multi-disciplinary Mechanical Piping Team. These professionals collaborate across engineering, field supervision, customer service, and compliance to ensure every system is tailored and optimized for each building’s specific footprint and use case.
- ASME “R” Stamp Certified: Approved to handle high-pressure vessels and steam systems.
- Welders certified under ASME Section IX and AWS CWI inspection protocols.
- Experience with carbon steel, stainless steel, PVC/CPVC, HDPE, and PP-R piping materials.
Custom Climate Control Systems for Precision and Reliability
Every watt of computing power generates heat—and managing that heat is non-negotiable in a data center environment. Whether it’s chilled water cooling loops, hot aisle/cold aisle containment, or sophisticated energy monitoring systems, Design Mechanical’s HVAC solutions are engineered for the needs of modern IT loads and reliability standards.
Energy Efficiency Meets System Redundancy
While performance and uptime remain top priorities, today’s clients also demand energy-efficient systems that minimize operational costs. Design Mechanical meets this challenge with integrated systems that balance thermal performance with environmental responsibility. Plus, features like the DMEye Energy Monitoring platform provide clients with real-time insights into system usage, optimization opportunities, and sustainability tracking.
- Redundant system design ensures uninterrupted operation.
- Energy-efficient components support reduced operating costs.
- Smart monitoring allows for proactive maintenance and alerts.
Why Partnering with Design Mechanical Pays Off
When you need HVAC solutions for fast-track data centers under 30MW—especially those inside renovated buildings—Design Mechanical delivers results that others simply can’t match. As an employee-owned company with a client-first mindset, the team goes above and beyond to make sure projects run smoothly from blueprint to buildout.
The Employee-Owned Advantage
Design Mechanical’s employee ownership model fuels its exceptional service and long-term commitment. Every technician, engineer, and service rep has a stake in your satisfaction—leading to a culture of excellence, higher retention, and truly personalized service throughout every project phase.
- Employee-owners are personally invested in each client’s success.
- High retention rates ensure continuity and deep expertise.
- Personalized support extends well beyond installation.
Conclusion
Data centers are the lifeblood of today’s digital economy—and they need reliable, scalable HVAC systems to thrive. Whether it’s a high-performance build under 30MW or a retrofitted site in a legacy facility, Design Mechanical offers custom HVAC solutions that combine speed, precision, and reliability. Their integrated piping teams, fabrication capabilities, and commitment to client satisfaction make them the trusted mechanical construction partner for mission-critical projects. Looking to deploy your next data center? It’s time to partner with the experts who deliver HVAC performance on a fast track.