Parsons’ digital-first strategy shapes future of sustainable, resilient infrastructure

From data centers to giga projects, Parsons leverages AI and digital ecosystems to deliver intelligent, future-ready infrastructure.

Parsons, a leading provider of technology-driven solutions focused on the defence, intelligence, and critical infrastructure markets, offers technical design, engineering services, and software products that address complex global challenges. With a legacy spanning over 75 years, Parsons is embedding digital intelligence across every phase of project delivery. Dr. Max Clark, SVP – EMEA CTO & Sector Manager at Parsons, discusses how the company accelerates deployment without compromising long-term value, integrates AI for predictive management, and builds strategic ecosystems to future-proof giga projects and connected communities.

Interview Excerpts:

How is Parsons approaching the rapid expansion of data centers, particularly in balancing deployment speed with long-term sustainability and resilience goals?
Parsons leverages its master planning and project management expertise to strategically align data center placement, infrastructure, sustainability, and resilience. To meet client timelines, we prioritise speed-to-market through fast-track delivery methods, including modular construction, modern construction techniques and early contractor engagement.  Real-time coordination monitoring using AI and PMIS across design, procurement and construction minimises schedule risks, while front-loading decision-making and managing critical activities proactively prevents delays. This approach ensures rapid deployment without compromising long-term asset reliability, regulatory compliance, or operational flexibility, enabling us to deliver efficient data centers that meet both immediate and future client needs. 

With digital transformation accelerating across infrastructure projects, how do you see emerging technologies redefining traditional workflows—from planning and design to long-term operations and maintenance?
Through Parsons focus on innovation, we’ve dedicated ourselves to creating a digital ecosystem that encompasses every aspect of our work by ensuring the latest technology, tools, and solutions are seamlessly integrated throughout our operations. These innovations deliver comprehensive digital services throughout the entire lifecycle which includes:​ 

• Using parametric tools to help master planners optioneer solutions for clients. 

• Leveraging Digital Twins and 4D-6D BIM to support design and construction decision-making. 

• Utilising RIMMS (Parsons’ Asset Management tool) and Digital Twins to drive operations and maintenance decisions. 

• Embedding secure AI solutions to streamline processes, freeing teams to focus on higher-value tasks. 

 AI is often discussed in theory, but what are some real-world examples where Parsons has implemented AI to drive operational efficiency, resilience, or predictive infrastructure management?
AI is inherent in every part of Parsons’ portfolio. Our advancements garnered through AI improve efficiency, safety, and quality, and streamline operations to achieve exceptional results for our clients. 

Examples include: 

• Transportation Asset Management System (TAMS), was used to help clients efficiently inventory, manage, and maintain assets by integrating Inventory Management, GIS Management, and Work Management into a single interface.   

• Advanced Construction Supervision system (utilising OpenSpace) that integrates technologies to automate progress tracking, remote supervision, report generation, and BIM comparison, reducing rework, improving quality assurance and control, all while enhancing safety.  

Given the scale and complexity of Giga Projects in the Middle East and beyond, what strategies is Parsons adopting to ensure infrastructure is future-proofed against evolving risks like climate change, cybersecurity threats, and shifting ESG regulations?
Parsons delivers giga projects that are future-proofed against evolving risks by embedding sustainability, resilience, and ESG compliance into every phase of delivery. Central to that success is robust information management to ensure visibility, centralised data, and proactive monitoring and management of evolving risks and regulatory requirements.  Leveraging our experience, expertise, and advanced technology, we’ve adopted a comprehensive approach to sustainability and resilience by designing infrastructure to withstand extreme weather conditions. This approach integrates advanced materials, aims for international certifications, partners with clients to support ESG reporting, carbon credit registration, and biodiversity restoration, and aims to optimise performance across lifecycle. 

How should companies reframe their operations and partnerships to thrive in this next generation of intelligent, adaptive infrastructure?
A robust digital foundation is essential for enabling more efficient, adaptive, and proactive business operations. By integrating technologies into everyday processes, businesses can enhance their capabilities and drive innovation.  Collaboration is critical; fostering partnerships with technology providers, other industries and government entities to establish ecosystems will enable shared expertise, encourage open communication and promote the sharing and integration of data.  We’re doing exactly that in developing robust digital foundations for the technology-enabled giga-projects in Saudi Arabia designed to manage the entire asset base of the city and leveraging Digital Twins to integrate diverse data sources to provide actionable insights into assets, businesses, or processes.