When we think of a data center, the first thing many of us visualize is a new-build rectangular-shaped box. Yet, in reality, the transformation of an existing building into a data hub can often be the more powerful solution, for a whole host of reasons – economic, environmental and social.

Converting older buildings, such as under-performing offices, industrial or logistics sites, can bring compelling commercial and operational advantages, including significant financial, time and embodied carbon savings. However, while the benefits are considerable, there is real complexity in converting an existing building into high-performing digital infrastructure, and not every asset is suitable.

Determining the best way forward, Stage 0 is critical. This is the point when project design is not yet set in stone, when better decisions can be made, and choices around new build or repurposing an existing asset can still be challenged.

Collaborative thinking at Stage 0 does not just support the new build versus existing asset decision. It helps to de-risk a project across the board, from commercial viability and estimated construction timeline to licensing and future flexibility. Stage 0 considers anticipated yield, ESG obligations, and aligns asset appeal with architectural intent. If the building's physical reality and the business case clash, the long-term risk to viability escalates quickly.

By working with developers, investors and asset managers earlier in the process, architects can give candid advice that will help everyone understand what is viable, financeable and operationally sound. This type of early clarity prevents the rework, redesign and program shocks that occur when constraints surface too late – issues that are far more costly, both in time and money, to resolve mid-design or mid-construction.

All assets need to be rigorously assessed at this preliminary stage. For a data center, one of the first things we need to understand is the business case, including the nature of the end user and whether there is one or several, as well as the preferred location and connectivity requirements.

When architects assess existing physical assets for viability, they lead a multi-disciplinary team to carry out a detailed evaluation of key factors: structural capacity, clearance height, modularity, power availability, location, connectivity, efficient use of space, and applicable regulations. All of these factors can present opportunity as well as risk. Urban planning, integration, and scalability must also be considered from the outset.

When architects and other key consultants assess these factors early, the client has the potential to achieve a real competitive advantage. These are complex infrastructures that require substantial energy, sophisticated cooling systems, and floors with significant load-bearing capacity. Getting the assessment right at the start is not just good practice; it is absolutely essential.

We have a clear example of this in London, where Hyphen has been working with a unique asset close to the financial heart of the City for the past decade. This is a complex building with floors of varying heights and access challenges, yet its proximity to a critical financial services location makes it a highly valuable asset. When you compare the cost of converting a building like this to building from new, the savings are substantial. Not only does it make clear financial sense, but it also speeds up the time to market and significantly reduces embodied carbon.

Depending on the case, by retaining existing structures, we can reduce embodied carbon by as much as 40 percent. Environmental savings like these are not a secondary benefit, but a core part of project value and a serious consideration for investors and clients navigating increasingly stringent ESG obligations.

Architects are trained to take a holistic view and lead a multi-disciplinary approach. By being involved at the outset, we can propose strategies to minimize or eliminate risks and deliver the strategic digital infrastructure the client needs. When architects, engineers, cost consultants and developers work together from the start, we can align early. Issues that might otherwise emerge mid-design or mid-construction are addressed when they are still straightforward to resolve.

When a team works together from the outset to identify and develop the right asset, the benefits of re-using an existing structure are multiple: shorter delivery timelines, reduced upfront capital costs, lower embodied carbon, and the unlocking of strategically important sites that would otherwise have been difficult or impossible to replicate.

The decision between new build and retrofit is never simple, but it should always be deliberate. And it should always start at Stage 0.

This article follows on from the interview between Eva and Alexandra Gheorghiu, Head of Digital Content at DCD on 29 May 2026: DCD>Talks - Phase Zero Architectural Consulting and Retrofitting Underperforming Buildings in Data Centers - DCD