Data from research consulting firm McKinsey estimates investment in data center infrastructure could reach a cumulative $6.7 trillion globally by 2030 to power artificial intelligence (AI) use accompanying cloud computing needs. According to its data, such spending is expected to be driven in large part by data center hyperscalers Amazon, Alphabet, Meta, Microsoft, Oracle and Apple.

Kelly said the company has already seen how data center projects have shifted demands for power across sectors. In response, the new STV business line will focus on shoring up innovative power solutions.

“That has put some strains on the system for our existing clients in the verticals we serve,“ he added. “The largest user of energy, prior to these big data centers being built, was for water treatment plants. So you look at our needs there, our needs in transportation, our needs in buildings to be energy efficient, our clients are looking for those creative solutions. Whether it's in transmission or in substations or energy resilience, we're trying to help our clients solve challenges they're facing now.”

On the AI boom’s impact across architecture, engineering and construction, Kelly said he sees an opportunity for project owners and firms to enhance the industry’s capacity to tackle complex challenges. 

“I often say this tongue-in-cheek: Three years ago, nobody could spell AI—at least in the most mainstream,” he said. “Today, it's almost ubiquitous, or it's becoming ubiquitous. It's actually very encouraging and energizing to think about the capability, how that can transform the AEC industry.” 

Kelly added, “There's lots been written about what the risks are and the downside, and we're able to manage that; we're able to think about that in a different way. I think it's pretty exciting, and I think there's opportunity there to do so much more for our clients and the profession we're in by having these new tools available to us.”