Lead Architect - Data Center

Company Description
Job Location: Chennai (Preferred) | Mumbai | Gurugram | Noida
About Ramboll
Founded in Denmark, Ramboll is a foundation-owned people company. We have more than 18,000 experts working across our global operations in 35 countries. Our experts are leaders in their fields, developing and delivering innovative solutions in diverse markets including Buildings, Transport, Planning & Urban Design, Water, Environment & Health, Energy, and Management Consulting. We invite you to contribute to a more sustainable future working in an open, collaborative, and empowering company. Combining local experience with global knowledge, we together shape the societies of tomorrow.
Inviting bright minds
Do you want to push the boundaries of your profession and develop your excellence in an open, collaborative, and empowering culture? We work to create a sustainable future and our inspiring projects and innovative solutions aim to set the standard among our peers. You will join a global company that has been growing successfully since its founding in 1945. Together, we lead and leave a positive impact on societies, companies, and people around the world.
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
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)
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.
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.
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
Client Engagement & Stakeholder Management
Act as:
Primary architectural interface with clients
Lead:
Design presentations
Technical discussions and reviews
Translate:
Client requirements into design solutions
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
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
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
Tools & Digital Capability
Revit (mandatory – BIM-led delivery)
AutoCAD
NavisWorks
Knowledge of visualization tools (Enscape, Lumion, etc.)
Standards & Compliance
Knowledge of:
NBC / IBC
Fire & life safety codes
Data center design standards (TIA-942 – awareness level minimum)
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.

Work arrangement
No