Farooq strengthens data center projects with international expertise

Farooq strengthens data center projects with international expertise

Project Director Farooq Ali studied multi-actor collaboration in construction projects in his doctoral dissertation. The observations of Farooq, who graduated as a Doctor of Science Technology from the University of Oulu, have been put to good use in Granlund's international data center projects.

“In project alliancing, companies with diverse cultures and backgrounds collaborate on a construction project, temporarily setting aside their parent identities to work as one. While this sounds simple, building trust between organisations is the biggest challenge. It takes time but is crucial for success,” Farooq says.

He recommends maintaining cooperation as a strategic alliance.

“Unlike in manufacturing, construction often sees alliances dissolve after a project ends, which wastes the trust and routines built. My research explored how to sustain these alliances for long-term collaboration and efficiency,” explains Farooq.

FIDIC knowledge brings clarity to international project management

With roots in Pakistan, Farooq brings over 20 years of experience in the construction industry, mainly in the Middle East, particularly in Dubai.

Farooq is highly skilled in preparing, reviewing, and negotiating various FIDIC contract forms, such as the most common “Rainbow Suite” of contracts. FIDIC (Fédération Internationale des Ingénieurs-Conseils) contracts are internationally recognized standard forms of contract for construction and engineering projects, renowned for establishing a balanced allocation of risk between the Employer and the Contractor.

Managing international projects under standard forms like FIDIC differs clearly from managing domestic Finnish projects under YSE 1998.

“The core difference is the shift from a nationally homogeneous, trust-based system to a globally standardized, contract-and-risk-focused one. International forms like FIDIC are designed for parties who may not be familiar with each other’s local practices. The contract is the primary source of truth, and the role of the Engineer as an impartial certifier is central”, Farooq clarifies.

While a project manager in Finland relies on strong technical and local regulatory knowledge, operating successfully in international projects demands a distinct and expanded skill set. These additional skills are essential to navigate the complexity, diversity, and heightened risk profile of cross-border work, particularly under contract frameworks like FIDIC.

The core difference is the shift from a nationally homogeneous, trust-based system to a globally standardized, contract-and-risk-focused one. International forms like FIDIC are designed for parties who may not be familiar with each other’s local practices.

The contract is the primary source of truth, and the role of the Engineer as an impartial certifier is central.

Farooq Ali, Project Director, Granlund

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From Innovations Department to international Data Center projects

Granlund’s Innovations and Development Department has been key to Farooq’s journey. Farooq originally joined Granlund in 2023 through the Post Docs in Companies (PoDoCo) program. During his PhD research, he was involved in the Oulu University Hospital project.

In his second year at PoDoCo, Farooq was recruited to participate in an international data center project, where he leads the FIDIC contract process used in demanding construction projects, and overall leading the project.

“Our data center client is a major international company. They chose Finland as the location for their data center investments, and now they are developing their first data center,” Farooq explains.

He notes that international interest is growing.

“I believe Finland will become an increasingly attractive destination for international data center development, and I’m fortunate to be part of the team,” says Farooq.

Granlund feels like a right place

Farooq is now focused on the data center project but he also continues to deliver lectures at the University of Oulu.

“Working with Heikki Ihasalo and Piia Sormunen has been an excellent experience. They have been exceptional in enhancing collaboration within the team. I feel fortunate to have been part of the Innovations and Development Department, and thanks to their support and our productive collaboration, we were able to achieve significant progress and results early on.”

I would say it’s been really amazing. That’s the one word that always comes to mind when I think of describing Granlund as a workplace.

Farooq Ali, Project Director, Granlund

Farooq feels that he is in the right place and is looking forward to working with Granlund.

“I would say it’s been really amazing. That’s the one word that always comes to mind when I think of describing Granlund as a workplace,” Farooq says.

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