Competition for services such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality and 5G are rapidly changing the way companies do business. But they’re doing something else, too: transforming construction demands and forcing organizations to reimagine the types of spaces they need most.

Thanks to emerging technology, the United States — and even the world — is on the cusp of a data center building boom. Construction of these mission-critical facilities is expected to multiply sixfold by 2027, according to AFCOM. Case in point: 807.5 MW of new data center facilities were brought online in the first three months of 2024 alone, representing a 24.4% year-over-year growth, says CBRE.

At the forefront of this revolution is Clune Construction, ranked as the 8th Largest U.S. Data Center Contractor by Building Design + Construction. With a robust team of more than 400 mission-critical experts, Clune has been building data centers across the country for over two decades. The company’s steady growth mirrors that of its clients, many of whom are scaling rapidly to meet the surging demand for AI, cloud computing and other digital innovations.

“Clune’s Mission Critical Practice has grown exponentially,” says Dave Sitkowski, Managing Director. “Fifteen years ago, we were celebrating 2 MW or 3 MW wins, where we could have three or four people on a job. Now, we’re taking on projects up to 500 MW, requiring teams of more than 50 professionals. This explosion in demand is happening across the U.S.”

Building Long-Term Partnerships

Clune’s success in data center construction isn’t just about technical expertise; it’s also about the strong partnerships the company has built with its clients over the years. A hallmark of Clune’s business is its exceptionally high rate of repeat clients, a testament to the company’s collaborative approach and long-term commitment to client success.

“We take pride in the fact that so many of our clients come back to us time and again,” Sitkowski notes. “It’s about trust. We don’t just deliver a project and walk away. We become an extension of their team, learning their processes, understanding their challenges and working closely with them to ensure success.”
Deep bench of talent

As data center construction becomes more complex, Clune has strategically grown its talent pool, ensuring that they have the expertise to meet clients’ evolving needs. From assistant project managers and project engineers to managing directors and senior team leads, Clune’s data center practice has evolved to include a deep bench of mission-critical professionals, all highly skilled in building these highly sensitive facilities.

Sitkowski notes that Clune’s mission-critical division has developed a national footprint, with teams positioned across key markets such as Chicago, Dallas and Washington, DC. “We’ve grown with our clients as the demand for data centers has skyrocketed, particularly with the rise of AI and machine learning applications,” Sitkowski says. “It’s not just about technical expertise — we’ve invested heavily in building trusted, long-term relationships.”

Preparing talent for the future

Building data centers requires a distinct skill set that differs from other construction types. To keep pace with rapid advancements, Clune has invested in upskilling its employees, ensuring they’re prepared for the unique demands of data center construction. This includes specialized training in:

Electrical and mechanical systems
Structural design and security systems
Compliance and safety protocols

In addition to technical skills, Clune emphasizes the importance of soft skills, such as communication and trust-building with clients. “Data center clients want to know exactly who is going to be on their job site every day, and they expect a deep level of trust,” Sitkowski explains. “We’ve worked hard to ensure our teams can meet those expectations.”

Growing with AI and Beyond

As AI, virtual reality and 5G continue to reshape industries, the need for larger, faster and more efficient data centers will only increase. Clune’s ability to adapt and scale with its clients positions the company as a leader in this evolving sector. By focusing on both the technical and human aspects of construction, Clune ensures that every project meets the highest standards for quality, safety and efficiency.

Brian Donahue, another Managing Director at Clune Construction, highlights Clune’s approach to workforce retention. “When you treat your people right, you retain the best talent. That continuity translates into operational excellence, improved quality and faster project delivery,” Donahue says. “Knowing that the same team that built your first data center is still there for the second and third builds confidence and ensures success.”

Quality Without Compromise

As Clune continues to expand its data center portfolio, the company remains committed to quality. Each project, no matter how complex, is an opportunity to refine processes, enhance training and build lasting partnerships with clients. Clune’s mission-critical teams are well-prepared to tackle the challenges that come with scaling AI infrastructure and digital capacity.

“We’ve been fortunate to grow alongside our clients for 20 years,” Sitkowski says. “As they expand, we’re right there with them, providing the expertise and talent needed to build mission-critical facilities that support the future of business.”

The article was written in collaboration with Construction Dive