Shumate Engineering Expands Data Center Design Portfolio

Engineering firm adds 16 new hyperscale facilities totaling 5.7 gigawatts of processing power across Texas, Missouri, and Arizona.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Shumate Engineering, a Virginia-based engineering firm, has announced a major expansion into the growing AI data center market. The firm has begun design work on 16 new hyperscale data center facilities totaling about 5.7 gigawatts of processing power, spread across Texas, Missouri, and Arizona. The new facilities are set to be completed by the middle of 2026, marking a significant boost for AI access in the U.S. as well as notable growth for Shumate Engineering.

Why it matters

The rapid growth of AI and data-intensive applications has driven surging demand for new data center capacity across the country. Shumate Engineering's expansion positions the firm as a key player in meeting this demand, with its innovative cooling technologies aimed at reducing the energy and water usage of these critical facilities.

The details

Shumate Engineering's new data center projects will total about 5.7 gigawatts of processing power. The firm has been granted a patent for its hybrid-dry/adiabatic-cooling design, which can cut power consumption by 50% and water use by 93% compared to conventional cooling systems. To support this expansion, Shumate Engineering is also hiring key engineers and personnel, including a new Project Executive, electrical engineers, a Business Manager, and a mechanical engineer.

  • Shumate Engineering's new data center projects are set to be completed by the middle of 2026.
  • The firm was granted a patent for its innovative cooling technology in July 2025.

The players

Shumate Engineering

A full-service MEP engineering firm specializing in mission-critical, data center environments. The firm has collaborated on many data center projects in the DMV region and is now expanding its footprint nationwide.

Daren Shumate, PE LEED AP

The founder and managing principal of Shumate Engineering, with over 35 years of experience in the engineering industry.

R. Stephen Spinazzola, PE

Shumate Engineering's Director of Mission Critical Services, and co-inventor of the firm's patented hybrid-dry/adiabatic-cooling design.

Justin Penrod, PE

Shumate Engineering's Director of Mechanical Engineering, and co-inventor of the firm's patented hybrid-dry/adiabatic-cooling design.

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What they’re saying

“It may be early, but 2026 is shaping up to be a banner year for Shumate Engineering. Our team of talented and experienced engineers have been working very hard to develop the highest quality designs and bring them to fruition in the field during a time of rapid expansion for the data center industry.”

— Daren Shumate, Founder and Managing Principal

“For more than 35 years, I've built a career on delivering real-world engineering solutions to clients for their mission-critical infrastructure, and this is the year where everything – from economics and technology to engineering creativity and consumer behaviors – is all falling into place. It's going to be fun.”

— Daren Shumate, Founder and Managing Principal

What’s next

Shumate Engineering's new data center projects are expected to be completed by the middle of 2026, marking a significant boost in AI processing capacity across the country.

The takeaway

Shumate Engineering's expansion into the booming data center market, coupled with its innovative cooling technologies, positions the firm as a leader in meeting the surging demand for energy-efficient and sustainable AI infrastructure in the United States.