In this episode, Paul is joined by Alex Kozikowska, solicitor at Vinci, to explore a fast-growing but often misunderstood area of construction:

Why data centre projects break traditional contract thinking.

With experience across contractors, consultants and in-house legal teams, Alex brings a practical perspective on how these highly complex, MEP-driven projects are exposing the limitations of standard forms like JCT, NEC and even FIDIC.

The conversation unpacks what actually makes data centres different:

•  why they are engineering-led, not building-led, with MEP dominating the scope; 
•  how design never truly stops evolving, driven by fast-moving technology; 
•  the impact of global procurement on programme, risk and delivery; and 
•  why traditional assumptions around fixed scope, price and responsibility simply don’t hold. 

Paul and Alex also explore the consequences of getting it wrong — from endless variations and programme delays to misallocated risk that no party can realistically control.

Most importantly, the episode looks forward:

•  how contracts must adapt to allow for design evolution and uncertainty; 
•  why commissioning should sit at the centre of contract structure; and 
•  the growing need for new, fit-for-purpose contract models tailored to data centre delivery. 

The message is clear:
 data centres aren’t just bigger projects — they’re fundamentally different projects, and the contracts need to catch up.

A timely and insightful episode for QSs, Commercial Directors and anyone involved in complex, high-value infrastructure — particularly as demand for data centres continues to accelerate globally.

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📥 Plus: Grab Paul’s free new eBook Mastering Construction Procurement — link below:

Mastering Construction Procurement Strategies for Supply Chain Integration, Tendering, and Commercial Success

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