A data center project brings together trades that do not naturally talk to each other: grid operator, architect, engineering firms, contractors, government departments, local officials, future customers. The project owner, whether developer, investor, industrial group or local authority, has to arbitrate between them without always having the skills in house. That is the job of an owner's representative (in France, "AMO"): defending the owner's interests at every stage, without a conflict of interest.
DOES YOUR SITUATION LOOK LIKE ONE OF THESE?
WHAT A DATA CENTER OWNER'S REPRESENTATIVE DOES
2. Site: land, available grid capacity, zoning and local context
3. Grid connection: request to Enedis or RTE, review of offers, follow-up of the agreement
4. Permits: building permit, classified installations, public consultation, with lawyers and engineering firms
5. Contractor tendering: specifications, review of design and build bids, long-lead equipment choices
6. Construction: schedule, cost, safety and interfaces between packages
7. Commissioning and handover: testing, snag clearance, as-built file, transition to operations
WHY AN INDEPENDENT REPRESENTATIVE
A designer, contractor or equipment supplier has an interest in certain solutions. An independent owner's representative is paid only by the owner: no equipment, land or maintenance contracts to sell, and no commissions. That is our rule, without exception.
The other difference is scope. A data center project depends as much on the grid connection, transformer lead times and local acceptance as on the building. Our support draws on a network of named experts: HV grid connection, design and operations, construction safety, energy and compliance, communication and local context. Each steps in when their topic comes up, without you having to coordinate several providers.
FORMATS
A launch review, to frame the brief, a realistic timeline and the main risks before committing major spending.
Part-time representation, following the project end to end a few days a month: our Readiness Manager.
Full-time support during the busiest phases, construction and commissioning: see expert staffing.
Every assignment is scoped in writing before it starts.
WHO IT IS FOR
Developers and investors launching a project without a full technical team, including international players entering France. Industrial groups and companies building their own data center. Local authorities leading or hosting a project. Landowners who want to unlock a site without getting lost in the process.
OWNER'S REPRESENTATIVE, DESIGNER, ENGINEERING FIRM: WHO DOES WHAT?
| Role | Works for | Job |
|---|---|---|
| Owner's representative | The owner | Advises, frames, checks, supports decisions |
| Lead designer (maître d'œuvre) | The owner, for design and works | Designs the facility and directs works |
| Engineering firm | The designer or the owner | Carries out specialist technical studies |
| General contractor | The owner, under a works contract | Builds and delivers the facility |
For an overview of our work, see our data center consulting firm.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a data center owner's representative?
An adviser who represents the project owner at every stage: brief, site selection, grid connection, permits, contractor tendering, construction and commissioning, defending only the owner's interests.
What is the difference with a lead designer?
The lead designer designs the facility and directs works. The owner's representative helps the owner define the need, choose partners and check their work.
When should an owner's representative be brought in?
As early as possible: early decisions on the site, capacity and grid connection drive the whole schedule and budget.
Are you independent from contractors and suppliers?
Yes: we sell no equipment or land and take no commissions. We are paid only by the project owner.