Behind every Edged data center is a design philosophy built for speed, scale and the future of AI. In this spotlight, designer Nelly Koch takes us inside her process and explains how thoughtful architecture and engineering come together to shape the AI-ready campuses of tomorrow.
How has the rise of AI and high-density computing changed how you think about design?
AI has greatly shifted how we approach design. Higher rack densities mean we need more flexible cooling strategies and smarter power distribution. It’s pushed us to rethink our template buildings to handle these demands without losing efficiency. We’re iterating faster, while collaborating closely with our mechanical and electrical teams, and constantly refining our layouts to try and stay ahead of what’s coming next.
Sustainability is core to Edged’s mission. How does that show up in your design decisions day-to-day?
All our buildings are designed to be as sustainable as possible. This means using all the technology available from our sister companies. ThermalWorks’ cooling systems are integral to our designs, allowing us to deploy both air and liquid cooling, all without consuming any water.
What’s your starting point when designing a data center? What are the first principles or questions that guide your process?
Our strategy at Edged centers around modular/scalable design. We always start with the technical components, such as power and cooling. The space required by that equipment, in a sense, shapes the rest of the building. Then we look at how we want the building to scale, as that drives the design of the individual electrical and mechanical systems, as well as the structure of the building itself.
What design innovations are you most excited about right now?
Prefab buildings, especially prefab modules are probably the most fascinating new idea out there, for me on a personal level. Designing and delivering a pre-vetted kit of parts to be delivered onsite, more or less ready to go, is such a cool concept. It allows you to control quality in a factory setting and minimize disruption on-site, which in turn speeds up project delivery and massively reduces waste, both of material and time.
You’re more than a designer, how does Edged allow you to be your whole self at work?
Working at Edged gives me the flexibility to live and work the way I love, where I love being. I am able to live in the mountains, while still traveling to sites and staying connected with coworkers. It also gives me the ability to balance my passion for skiing and hiking. Endeavour aims to preserve the environment through technology, so I really appreciate the fact that working here gives me the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors fully. Our data centers will help keep snow in the mountains for years to come.
Edged also gives me space to contribute beyond my day-to-day projects as an officer in Endeavour Women in Tech (EWIT). I’m really passionate about mentorship and helping more women see themselves in technical and leadership roles. It’s something the company truly supports, not just in words but in action, and that means a lot.
