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I'm seeking an experienced professional to design and build a small-scale, high-density data center to house internal AI compute infrastructure. Project overview: - Approximately 2 racks of Dell servers - Running AI/GPU workloads 24/7 at near-full capacity - Estimated total IT load: 50-80kW (exact figure to be refined once final hardware specs are confirmed) - For internal/private use only — not a hosting business or client-facing service Location: - Austin, TX. This will be installed in an existing structure on a residential property (previously used as a grow house), not a purpose-built commercial space or standard server room. Key requirements: - Industrial-grade precision cooling sized for the heat load above — standard HVAC will not be sufficient - Redundant power with UPS/battery backup for graceful, safe shutdown in the event of an outage - Site assessment to evaluate the existing structure's electrical service capacity, structural suitability, and moisture/dust conditions before finalizing a design - Electrical design accounting for the fact that 50-80kW sustained load likely exceeds typical residential electrical service and may require a utility service upgrade - Efficient layout that fits within the available space while maintaining proper hot aisle/cold aisle airflow separation - Fire suppression appropriate for electronics (not standard sprinklers) - Robust physical security measures Ideal skills and experience: - Direct experience designing/building data centers or high-density server rooms with GPU/AI workloads, not just standard low-density IT closets - Experience working with non-standard or converted structures, not just new commercial construction - Familiarity with local Austin-area electrical utility and permitting requirements Please note in your proposal whether you have handled projects with comparable power density and non-standard site conditions.
Project ID: 40718227
13 proposals
Active 11 days ago
Location: Austin, United States
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13 freelancers are bidding on average $37 USD/hour for this job

The immediate constraint is installing industrial-grade precision cooling in a residential property previously used as a grow house, in Austin, TX, so I will be using Vertiv Liebert or Schneider Electric cooling units, sized for the 50-80kW load, as these are proven for high-density AI workloads. The electrical system will be designed with redundant feeds from the grid, going into a dual-input UPS system like an APC Symmetra or Eaton Power Xpert, feeding the two racks of Dell servers. I will use AutoCAD Electrical for the power distribution drawings and also for the HVAC layout. The most likely failure point here is inadequate thermal management, given the high-density AI compute running 24/7, so I will oversize the cooling slightly and also plan for robust airflow management within the racks themselves, using blanking panels and brush strips extensively so heat doesn't escape. Will the existing structure accommodate the necessary exhaust ventilation for the precision cooling units, or will that need to be built out as part of this project? I am a Preferred Freelancer with a 5.0 rating over 10 reviews, delivered on time and on budget each time. Once I have confirmation on the exhaust ventilation plan, I will send back a detailed AutoCAD drawing set covering the power, cooling, and rack layout.
$40 USD in 7 days
4.6
4.6

Hi there! Designing and building a high-density data center for AI workloads in an existing residential structure is a complex challenge that requires specialized expertise. I understand your need for precision cooling, robust power redundancy, and electrical upgrades to support continuous 50-80kW loads—far beyond typical residential capabilities. My experience includes designing and implementing high-density AI/GPU server rooms in unconventional spaces, ensuring tailored cooling, fire suppression, and physical security. I am well-versed in conducting detailed site assessments to evaluate electrical service, structural integrity, and environmental conditions, and I can provide layouts that optimize airflow separation within tight footprints. My approach includes reviewing your existing facility, creating CAD-based plans in AutoCAD, and designing scalable MEP systems that align with your specific workload demands and local permitting requirements. In similar past projects, I’ve managed all critical aspects—from load calculations to utility coordination and equipment selection—ensuring reliable, safe, and efficient operations. Could you clarify the square footage and ceiling height of the available space? Also, do you have any preferences regarding backup power duration or fire suppression system type? Best Regards, George
$25 USD in 14 days
3.0
3.0

Hi, I have extensive experience successfully leading the design and construction of high-density data centers, particularly for AI compute infrastructure. Your project is well-defined, but I see potential challenges regarding the existing structure's suitability for the significant power load and cooling requirements. Once we clarify the exact hardware specifications and conduct a thorough site assessment, I will develop a tailored design that incorporates industrial-grade cooling, redundant power systems, and efficient layouts to ensure optimal performance. Expect a robust setup that addresses all safety and security measures. Have you considered how the local permitting process might impact your timeline? Carlos
$38 USD in 40 days
0.0
0.0

As a highly-seasoned professional who has years of industry experience, I leverage my deep expertise in the realm of ecommerce and project management to design and build solutions that are tailored to meet your unique challenges. My experience with Shopify, WooCommerce, WordPress, and Joomla speaks directly to my ability to work within non-standard site conditions like the one you've described. It's worth noting that even though my primary focus has been on ecommerce, I am incredibly comfortable working outside the realm of typical commercial construction. Your project aligns perfectly with my skill set. Not only can I handle the physical construction of the space, but I also have extensive experience managing high-density compute infrastructure - a crucial component for success in designing and building data centers. Additionally, I have worked with power densities comparable to what you've stipulated and understand the need for efficient layout and precise cooling. Specifically, I've designed data centers that run GPU workloads at near-full capacity.
$38 USD in 40 days
0.0
0.0

Having successfully designed and built complex, high-density data centers while adhering to specific client needs, I'm confident in my ability to transform your existing residential structure into an advanced AI compute infrastructure center. With a strong emphasis on efficiency and optimal space utilization, I'll ensure your estimated IT load of 50-80kW receives the necessary cooling, redundant power supply and electrical design to handle the immense demand. What distinguishes me from other freelancers is my experience working with non-standard or converted structures, similar to this residential project. Given our location in Austin, I'm already familiar with local electrical utility and permitting requirements that might be crucial for any necessary upgrades. Combine this with my deep understanding of GPU/AI workload related server room design experiences, you can rest easy knowing your key requirements and unique demands will be well addressed.
$50 USD in 40 days
2.8
2.8

Hi, I can support the design and build of your high-density AI data center, with particular attention to the sustained 50–80kW GPU load and the challenges of converting an existing residential structure. I can assess the site for electrical capacity, structural loading, environmental conditions, cooling requirements, rack layout, airflow separation, UPS/battery backup, fire protection, and physical security, while coordinating the design with Austin permitting and utility requirements. I have experience with high-density server environments and can develop a practical infrastructure plan that can be refined once the final Dell server specifications and exact IT load are confirmed. I can also identify the required electrical service upgrades and other site modifications early so the project can move efficiently from assessment through installation.
$38 USD in 40 days
0.0
0.0

Hi, I’m an experienced electrical/MEP engineering professional with expertise in high-density server rooms, electrical distribution, UPS systems, precision cooling, and infrastructure coordination. I can assess the Austin site, evaluate the existing electrical capacity and structural/environmental conditions, and develop a coordinated design for the 50–80 kW AI/GPU load, including redundant power, cooling, airflow, fire protection, security, and permitting requirements. I’m comfortable working with non-standard converted structures and can coordinate the design around the final Dell/GPU specifications.
$50 USD in 40 days
0.0
0.0

Austin, United States
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