As the industry adapts to the rapid rise of artificial intelligence workloads, the design and operation of data centers are evolving just as quickly. A recent feature in Data Center Knowledge highlights three women helping shape the next generation of AI-ready infrastructure, including Nancy Novak and Amy Marks of Compass Datacenters.
The article explores how leaders across the data center ecosystem are tackling some of the industry’s most pressing challenges — from cooling high-density GPU clusters to designing infrastructure that can scale sustainably while supporting local communities.
Innovating for AI-Scale Infrastructure
At Compass Datacenters, innovation in cooling, construction and sustainability is helping prepare campuses for the increasing demands of AI.
Nancy Novak, Chief Innovation Officer Emeritus & Compass Ambassador, discusses how hybrid cooling systems allow data centers to transition from traditional air cooling to liquid cooling as AI workloads increase — without requiring costly rebuilds of existing facilities.
Working with infrastructure partners, Compass has also focused on closed-loop cooling approaches that reduce water consumption while maintaining high thermal performance.
At the same time, Compass’ industrialized construction strategy is helping accelerate deployment and improve sustainability outcomes. By shifting much of the fabrication process off-site and adopting modular “kit-of-parts” construction, Compass is able to reduce build timelines, improve safety and lower embodied carbon across its campuses.
Designing Infrastructure That Evolves
The feature also highlights Amy Marks, SVP of Innovation and Sustainability at Compass Datacenters, whose work focuses on designing facilities that can adapt as computing requirements evolve.
Through collaboration with partners such as Vertiv, Schneider Electric and Siemens, Compass is integrating flexible infrastructure systems that support higher rack densities and evolving AI workloads while maintaining operational reliability.
These design approaches — combined with prefabricated components and standardized systems — are helping data centers scale faster while maintaining strong sustainability performance.
Building Infrastructure That Serves Communities
Beyond technical innovation, the article underscores the growing importance of community stewardship in large-scale digital infrastructure projects.
As AI demand accelerates, operators must balance power availability, sustainability goals and the needs of the communities where data centers are built.
For Compass, this means designing campuses intended to operate for generations — supporting local economies, strengthening grid infrastructure and enabling long-term workforce opportunities.
Read the full article on Data Center Knowledge: https://www.datacenterknowledge.com
