Chheng Lim
INFRASTRUCTURE MASONS
Chheng Lim
TITLE : ASSOCIATE COMPANY : SHEEHAN NAGLE HARTRAY ARCHITECTS
CAPSTONE MENTOR PROFILE
When I first joined the mission-critical industry , most architects had never heard about data centre design or digital infrastructure . The industry is relatively foreign to many people despite the fact that it plays an essential role in our digital lives . In talking about data centres , we are sharing the story of how the internet is built - everything from broader utility infrastructures , to technology innovations , and to physical construction . I have been fascinated by this story , and I joined the iMasons Capstone project in order to share my knowledge with and inspire the next generation of architects and engineers to join our industry .
Throughout the course of the iMasons Capstone project , I was part of a 4-person mentor team that met regularly with two teams of students from Hampton University to discuss data centre design . I also organised a biweekly focused architecture design review with the students in collaboration with other members from our office . All of this was conducted virtually in the programme ’ s inaugural year due to the COVID pandemic and required dedication from both the students and mentors . It was , therefore , deeply rewarding and meaningful to me to see the students present their final projects to a panel of tech executives and secure opportunities in the industry .
The project delivers substantial impact by actively equipping students with the unique skillset for digital infrastructure careers . We are introducing the students to a new world of opportunity , and the decision to do so at an HBCU speaks to iMason ’ s commitment to creating opportunities for all . I am excited to see the programme expand to additional universities , and encourage more leaders to share their wisdom and expertise on digital infrastructure . I am honoured to be part of this endeavour . datacentremagazine . com 117