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Architecture

Reference Architecture Use

Reference Architecture Use is the understanding and application of an abstracted model of an architecture - a 'blueprint' that depicts the structure, behavior and more specific aspects of a system. Through expert navigation and deployment of these models, individuals can govern and innovate with precision, creating high quality, efficient architectural outcomes that meet organizational needs and standards. This capability maximizes both consistency across projects and capability for unique solution creation.

Foundational

At a foundational level you are aware of what a reference architecture is and can recognize its main elements in project discussions. You use provided reference architectures to guide your understanding of system structure and design choices under supervision. This helps ensure you align with basic organizational standards while building your architectural skills.

Developing

At a developing level you are beginning to apply reference architecture models to your work, with some guidance. You use established blueprints to guide system structure and decision making in straightforward projects. Your approach helps support consistency and reliability, while building your skills in working within architectural frameworks.

Proficient

At a proficient level you are able to apply reference architectures confidently across varied projects, tailoring standard models to suit specific business needs. You use these blueprints to guide design choices, streamline decision-making and ensure consistency. Your approach helps teams deliver robust, efficient architectures that align with organizational standards and objectives.

Advanced

At an advanced level you are confidently applying reference architectures to guide complex solution design across multiple projects. You adapt established models to unique organizational needs, ensuring alignment with standards while encouraging practical innovation. Your expertise brings consistency, efficiency, and measurable value to architectural outcomes.

Expert

At an expert level you are able to design, adapt and advise on the use of reference architectures to fit complex organizational needs and emerging challenges. You guide teams in selecting, implementing, and refining architectural blueprints to deliver robust, innovative solutions. Your leadership ensures architectural standards drive both consistency and meaningful improvement across all projects.

Security Architecture Alignment

Security Architecture Alignment is the proficiency to ensure that security measures correspond with the architecture's strategic objectives. Through knowledge of current security trends and a robust understanding of the firm's architecture, one aligns protection procedures. It impacts by mitigating security risks, ensuring seamless operations within the predefined architecture boundaries.

Foundational

At a foundational level you are aware that security must be considered when working within the organization’s architecture. You recognize basic security requirements and follow established guidelines to help protect systems and data. Your attention to these practices helps minimize risks and supports secure day-to-day operations.

Developing

At a developing level you are beginning to recognize the need to align security measures with the architectural direction of the organization. You follow established guidelines to support basic protection within existing systems and seek guidance when addressing new security concerns. Your actions help reduce minor security risks as you build your understanding of architectural requirements.

Proficient

At a proficient level you are able to align security measures with architectural goals, making sure protection steps fit neatly within the organization’s existing structures. You apply knowledge of current security trends and architectural frameworks to guide decisions and improvements. This strengthens risk mitigation and supports smooth, secure business operations across the organization.

Advanced

At an advanced level you are able to proactively shape and update security frameworks to ensure they closely support your organization’s architecture objectives. You lead the integration of new security practices, balancing risk management with operational needs. Your work directly strengthens the architecture’s resilience and protects critical assets from emerging threats.

Expert

At an expert level you are trusted to set the organization’s direction for aligning security with architecture goals, leading complex integration across systems and platforms. You anticipate emerging security risks and adapt architectural controls proactively. Your work ensures that the firm’s strategic objectives are met without compromising operational integrity or security.

Architecture Principles Development

Architecture Principles Development is a key capability in establishing and maintaining the cornerstone principles of architectural design. It involves formulating essential guidelines that influence architecture decisions, ensuring alignment with business and technology strategies. The expertise promotes consistency, facilitates communication, and enhances efficiency, inevitably leading to improved architectural coherence and business outcomes.'

Foundational

At a foundational level you are aware of the purpose and importance of architecture principles in guiding design decisions. You recognize how these principles support consistent and effective solutions, and you follow established guidelines when contributing to architectural work. Your understanding helps ensure alignment across teams and supports a clear and coherent approach to architecture.

Developing

At a developing level you are able to contribute to drafting and refining basic architecture principles with close guidance. You help ensure these principles are clear and relevant to current business and technology needs. Your input supports more experienced architects and begins to shape consistency in architectural decisions.

Proficient

At a proficient level you are able to develop architecture principles that reflect both business needs and technology requirements. You use these principles to guide projects and ensure everyone is working towards the same standards. Your approach helps create clear, consistent frameworks that improve decision-making across the organization.

Advanced

At an advanced level you are driving the creation and refinement of architecture principles that guide complex decision-making across multiple projects and domains. You ensure these principles remain practical, relevant, and closely aligned with both business goals and technology strategy. Your leadership delivers clear guidance, promoting consistency and stronger outcomes organization-wide.

Expert

At an expert level you are leading the creation and evolution of organization-wide architecture principles that drive design decisions and align with strategic priorities. You ensure these principles are widely understood, adopted, and adapted as business needs change. Your leadership sets the standard for architectural clarity and consistency, shaping lasting improvements across the enterprise.

Solution Architecture Design

Solution Architecture Design is the expertise of bridging business needs with technology solutions. It demands the proficiency in exploring and understanding complex systems, then designing efficient methods to meet organizational goals. The impact is innovatively harnessing technology to deliver a robust, holistic business plan.

Foundational

At a foundational level you are learning how business needs and technology solutions connect, and starting to understand why architecture matters. You can support simple architecture tasks or help gather information for solution design. Your work helps the team map technology to business priorities with clear guidance from others.

Developing

At a developing level you are beginning to design solution architectures that align with business needs, under guidance from more experienced colleagues. You explore systems and propose technology approaches for defined problems, contributing your ideas to wider architectural discussions. Your work helps build a foundation for clear and effective technology solutions within the organization.

Proficient

At a proficient level you are able to design integrated solution architectures that meet business needs and align with organizational strategy. You confidently apply architectural principles to balance technical options, consider constraints, and ensure robust, scalable outcomes. Your designs help teams deliver practical solutions that move the business forward.

Advanced

At an advanced level you are able to lead the design of complex solution architectures that align with both business priorities and technical standards. You integrate diverse technologies and guide stakeholders through architectural decisions in large-scale initiatives. Your work results in systems that are robust, flexible, and drive lasting organizational value.

Expert

At an expert level you are trusted to lead the design of complex, enterprise-wide solutions that balance business needs and technology opportunities. You anticipate challenges and set architectural direction, ensuring solutions are scalable, secure, and sustainable. Your work influences organizational strategy and inspires confidence in both technical teams and executive stakeholders.

Architecture Review Facilitation

Architecture Review Facilitation is the ability to lead, guide and manage architectural reviews. This involves showcasing deep technical understanding, facilitating discussions about different architectures and engaging in informed decision-making. The expertise ensures a collaborative, comprehensive analysis, leading to robust architectural solutions in alignment with business expectations and industry standards.

Foundational

At a foundational level you are able to participate in architecture review sessions by listening actively and sharing your perspective when asked. You follow the review process, support documentation efforts, and respect different views within the group. Your involvement helps build collaborative habits and strengthens your understanding of architectural decision-making.

Developing

At a developing level you are able to support and organize architecture review meetings with some guidance. You contribute to discussions by clearly presenting information and encouraging feedback from others. Your involvement helps ensure architectural options are considered, building your confidence for leading comprehensive reviews in future projects.

Proficient

At a proficient level you are able to independently lead architecture review sessions, guiding teams in evaluating design choices and risks. You draw on solid technical knowledge to facilitate balanced discussions and ensure all perspectives are considered. Your approach helps teams reach agreed, well-documented decisions that support business needs and align with best practice standards.

Advanced

At an advanced level you are confidently leading complex architecture reviews, bringing together diverse technical experts to assess solutions against business needs and industry standards. You facilitate open, balanced discussions, helping the group resolve challenges and reach well-informed agreements. Your leadership ensures architectural decisions are robust, practical and clearly aligned with organizational goals.

Expert

At an expert level you are trusted to independently lead complex architecture review sessions, bringing clarity to technical issues and guiding groups towards sound decisions. You create an environment where diverse views are valued, ensuring all risks and opportunities are surfaced. Your approach delivers robust, business-aligned architectural solutions that set benchmarks for quality and collaboration.

Stakeholder Engagement (Architecture)

Stakeholder Engagement (Architecture)' is the capacity to connect and communicate effectively with various stakeholders involved in an architectural project. It encompasses understanding their needs, managing expectations, and deploying relevant strategies to integrate feedback into the design process. Critical for project success, this capability cultivates resounding relationships, driving shared vision and mutual satisfaction in built-outcomes.

Foundational

At a foundational level you are able to identify key stakeholders in architectural projects and listen to their input with openness. You contribute by gathering basic feedback and sharing information clearly within your team. This helps build initial trust and ensures stakeholder needs begin to inform the direction of the project.

Developing

At a developing level you are beginning to identify key stakeholders and communicate with them about architectural needs and plans. You take steps to listen actively and consider their input, though you may need support handling complex feedback. Your efforts help build early trust and support for architectural initiatives.

Proficient

At a proficient level you are able to identify and engage with a wide range of stakeholders throughout an architectural project. You confidently gather, interpret, and respond to stakeholder needs, ensuring their insights and concerns are reflected in design decisions. Your approach fosters trust and collaborative working relationships, helping achieve positive project outcomes.

Advanced

At an advanced level you are proactive in building strong, trust-based relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders throughout complex architectural projects. You anticipate stakeholder needs and concerns, skilfully balancing competing interests to foster alignment and shared ownership. Your communication shapes decisions and ensures architectural solutions meet both organizational goals and stakeholder expectations.

Expert

At an expert level you are trusted to lead complex stakeholder engagement across diverse architectural projects, building strong partnerships that resolve conflicts and shape project vision. You anticipate and address stakeholder needs with tailored strategies, ensuring their input is meaningfully integrated. Your influence fosters long-term trust and delivers outcomes that routinely exceed expectations.

Architecture Risk Management

Architecture Risk Management is the capability of identifying and managing uncertainties and potential threats related to architectural designs. It involves evaluating potential risks, developing strategies to mitigate them, and implementing procedures to manage any that materialize. The effective execution of this capability can ensure the integrity, safety, and success of a given architectural project.

Foundational

At a foundational level you are able to recognize basic risks that could affect architectural plans or designs and alert others to them. You follow established procedures to help identify and record these risks, supporting your team to address them. Your early actions help protect the reliability and quality of architectural outcomes.

Developing

At a developing level you are able to recognize common risks in architectural designs and contribute to discussions about their possible impacts. You seek guidance when evaluating risks and help to implement basic risk management steps as directed. Your involvement supports safer and more reliable project outcomes while you build your skills and confidence.

Proficient

At a proficient level you are able to identify, assess, and address architectural risks across a range of projects with minimal guidance. You apply established risk management techniques and develop effective mitigation strategies that align with project goals. Your actions help maintain the integrity, safety, and reliability of architectural outcomes.

Advanced

At an advanced level you are able to anticipate complex architectural risks early and lead the development of effective mitigation strategies across multiple projects. You guide teams to make informed decisions that balance innovation with safety and compliance. Your proactive approach ensures architectural outcomes are robust, reliable, and resilient to emerging threats.

Expert

At an expert level you are a recognized authority in identifying, assessing, and managing architectural risks across complex and large-scale projects. You anticipate emerging threats, set organization-wide risk management strategies, and coach others to strengthen their capability. Your work ensures the resilience and ongoing success of architectural solutions, even in rapidly changing environments.

Technology Architecture Development

Technology Architecture Development is the ability to design, plan and implement software and hardware structures in line with business goals. It involves understanding the complexities of technology infrastructure and developing systems that facilitate work processes. The impact is a robust technology environment which supports business operations efficiently.

Foundational

At a foundational level you are learning the basics of technology architecture within your organization. You support simple tasks such as gathering information or assisting with documentation, while developing your understanding of core architecture principles. Your contributions help ensure that technology solutions are aligned with business needs, setting a solid base for further development.

Developing

At a developing level you are able to contribute to the design and planning of technology architectures under guidance. You help interpret requirements, assist with documentation, and take part in implementing solutions that support business needs. Your work begins to shape stable systems that make business operations run more smoothly.

Proficient

At a proficient level you are able to design and document technology architectures that meet current business needs, considering integration, scalability and security. You work with stakeholders to align solutions with organizational goals and ensure efficient delivery. Your work results in stable, effective technology systems that support ongoing business performance.

Advanced

At an advanced level you are able to design and deliver complex technology architectures that align tightly with evolving business needs. You confidently steer architectural decisions, providing guidance across teams and projects to ensure robust, scalable solutions. Your work strengthens technology foundations, supporting ongoing business growth and digital change.

Expert

At an expert level you are leading the design and evolution of complex technology architectures, setting direction for enterprise-wide systems. You shape solutions that align technology with business vision, anticipating future needs and risks. Your decisions set standards and frameworks, ensuring the technology environment is robust, scalable, and drives long-term organizational success.

Architecture Roadmap Development

Architecture Roadmap Development is a strategic capability that enables the planned evolution of an organization's architecture. The collaborative capability requires comprehensive knowledge of architecture principles, current systems, and future needs. This capability's impact is inefficiency and foresight, effectively guiding organizational change while minimizing disruption.

Foundational

At a foundational level you are learning to understand how architecture roadmaps guide organizational change. You support roadmap development by gathering basic information on current systems and understanding future goals. Your contribution helps the team make informed decisions with minimal disruption, laying the groundwork for more complex planning in the future.

Developing

At a developing level you are able to contribute to the creation of architecture roadmaps by gathering information and supporting more experienced colleagues. You help map out future states under guidance, learning how different systems and needs fit together. Your work supports well-informed decisions and prepares you for greater responsibility in shaping organizational change.

Proficient

At a proficient level you are able to develop architecture roadmaps that clearly align with business strategy and future requirements. You work confidently with stakeholders to assess current systems and identify realistic transition steps. Your work helps ensure that changes are achievable, and that disruptions to the organization are kept to a minimum.

Advanced

At an advanced level you are leading the design and ongoing refinement of complex architecture roadmaps, aligning them with both short-term business priorities and long-term strategy. You anticipate risks, manage dependencies, and engage stakeholders to ensure the roadmap remains relevant as organizational needs evolve. Your work drives confident, coordinated transformation with minimal disruption.

Expert

At an expert level you are leading the creation and refinement of strategic architecture roadmaps that shape the organization’s long-term direction. You draw from deep experience to anticipate risks, align stakeholders, and adapt plans to changing business needs. Your work ensures lasting value, guiding complex change with minimal disruption.

Business Capability modeling

Business Capability modeling is the structured process of defining and aligning a business's abilities with its architecture and strategic objectives. It calls for analytical skills to assess current capabilities, and creativity to envision potential improvements. The impact is a cohesive, adaptable architecture that accurately reflects business needs, optimizes resources, and facilitates effective change management.

Foundational

At a foundational level you are familiar with the basic concepts of business capability modeling and can recognize how it supports architectural work in your organization. You contribute to simple capability mapping activities with guidance from others, learning how business needs link to architecture. Your growing understanding helps ensure architecture aligns more closely with what the business actually needs.

Developing

At a developing level you are beginning to apply business capability modeling within architecture activities, with support from others. You can contribute to mapping current business capabilities and identifying initial gaps or misalignments. Your work helps ensure architectural decisions start to reflect real business needs.

Proficient

At a proficient level you are able to create and maintain detailed business capability models that align with your organization’s strategy and architecture. You work with different teams to assess gaps, suggest improvements, and clearly link capabilities to business value. Your work ensures the architecture stays relevant, supports priorities, and adapts well to change.

Advanced

At an advanced level you are leading the development and refinement of business capability models, ensuring they directly support organizational architecture and strategic priorities. You work closely with stakeholders to validate capabilities, identify gaps, and promote alignment between business objectives and technology solutions. Your work enables adaptable, resilient architectures that deliver measurable value and improved change management.

Expert

At an expert level you are shaping and directing business capability modeling across your organization, setting standards and guiding others in aligning capabilities with enterprise architecture. You lead large-scale initiatives that transform how the organization understands and adapts its architecture to meet changing business needs. Your work ensures architecture is future-ready, integrated, and supports strategic decision-making at the highest level.

Architecture Change Impact Assessment

Change Impact Assessment is the proficiency to predict and measure the foreseeable alterations that might occur in an architectural framework due to a modification process. This necessitates an acute understanding of the architecture domain, coupled with a visionary ability to model potential outcomes. The aptitude contributes to risk mitigation and smooth transitions, enhancing the robustness and resilience of the architecture.

Foundational

At a foundational level you are learning to recognize when changes to architectural frameworks may create impacts. You can identify simple areas where adjustments might be needed under guidance, supporting more experienced colleagues in the process. Your developing awareness helps the team address basic risks and supports smoother architectural transitions.

Developing

At a developing level you are able to identify how straightforward changes may affect specific parts of an architectural framework. You seek guidance when predicting wider impacts or when changes are more complex. Your work supports others to make informed decisions, helping to reduce risks during periods of change.

Proficient

At a proficient level you are able to independently assess and map the impacts of architectural changes, identifying direct and indirect effects across systems and stakeholders. You confidently apply frameworks or tools to anticipate risks and develop mitigation plans. Your reviews ensure smoother transitions and help maintain the integrity of the overall architecture.

Advanced

At an advanced level you are able to anticipate and assess the broader impacts of architectural changes across interconnected systems and processes. You lead detailed evaluations, involving key stakeholders to reveal risks and opportunities early. Your insights ensure the architecture remains stable and adaptive, supporting smooth transitions and long-term organizational objectives.

Expert

At an expert level you are able to anticipate complex changes in architecture and assess their full impact with confidence and accuracy. You draw on deep experience and insight to model outcomes, identify potential risks, and guide others through transition. Your expertise ensures resilient solutions and prepares the organization for both immediate and future challenges.

Data Architecture Development

Data Architecture Development is the proficiency to design and implement effective and efficient data infrastructure. It entails grasping business objectives, translating them into data requirements, and formulating strategic data-related solutions. This capability has significant impact on decision-making processes, by enhancing data accessibility, integration, and quality.

Foundational

At a foundational level you are learning the basics of data architecture, understanding how data supports business needs and how information flows in simple systems. You support more experienced architects by helping to document data sources and structures. Your work helps create clearer maps of data, supporting better decisions as you develop your skills.

Developing

At a developing level you are able to assist in designing components of data architecture under direction, applying standard methods and frameworks. You contribute to building and integrating data solutions that support business needs, while increasing your understanding of how architecture decisions affect data accessibility and quality. Your work helps ensure data infrastructure meets foundational requirements.

Proficient

At a proficient level you are able to design data architectures that align with business goals and ensure reliable data flows across systems. You consistently translate requirements into practical solutions, optimizing data accessibility and integration. Your work strengthens decision-making by improving data quality and fostering trusted information across the organization.

Advanced

At an advanced level you are able to lead the design and implementation of complex data architecture solutions that align with organizational strategy. You work with business and IT stakeholders to set data standards, guide integration, and resolve architectural challenges. Your expertise ensures data systems are robust, scalable, and drive high-quality decision-making across the organization.

Expert

At an expert level you are leading the design and implementation of enterprise-wide data architecture, setting strategic direction to ensure data aligns with long-term business goals. You anticipate future data needs and emerging technologies, driving innovation in data integration and quality. Your leadership shapes how the entire organization uses and manages its data assets.

Enterprise Architecture Design

Enterprise Architecture Design is the strategic process of designing the structure and behavior of an organization's IT environment. In this capacity, the capability of understanding complex systems, the ability to create clear design plans and the aptitude to navigate relationships with various stakeholders are paramount. The impact is found in enhanced system efficiency and clearer business-IT alignment, leading to effective decision-making and superior organizational performance.

Foundational

At a foundational level you are learning to recognize the main parts of enterprise architecture and understand how these fit together in simple organizational structures. You can follow set methods to help document and organize basic IT systems with some guidance. This helps your team ensure systems are mapped clearly and enables improved alignment between technology and business needs.

Developing

At a developing level you are beginning to support Enterprise Architecture Design by assisting with basic design tasks and contributing to documentation. You can follow established methods and work with guidance from more experienced architects, helping to link technology plans with business needs. Your input helps improve clarity in design and supports more consistent decision-making.

Proficient

At a proficient level you are able to design enterprise architecture that brings together complex business needs and IT systems with confidence. You clearly document and communicate your plans, engaging a range of stakeholders to ensure solutions are practical and aligned with organizational strategies. Your work improves system efficiency and supports better business decisions.

Advanced

At an advanced level you are capabilityed at designing and integrating complex enterprise architectures that align IT systems with business goals. You confidently manage stakeholder relationships, ensuring design decisions support both technical needs and organizational strategy. Your work results in systems that are resilient, efficient, and well-suited to future organizational growth.

Expert

At an expert level you are shaping enterprise architecture strategies that transform complex business requirements into scalable, integrated IT solutions. You confidently guide cross-functional teams and influence executive decisions, ensuring design choices drive both immediate value and long-term business growth. Your expertise secures strong alignment between technology and organizational objectives, delivering sustained performance improvements.

Integration Architecture

Integration Architecture is the specialisation of designing and implementing interactions between different system elements. This capability includes the knowledge of how to design for, and manage, the efficient and secure transfer of data between both internal and external systems. Effectively using this capability facilitates seamless workflows, optimizing the performance of the whole architecture.

Foundational

At a foundational level you are aware of core concepts in Integration Architecture and can recognize the basic ways systems connect and share information. You understand why it is important to have secure and reliable data transfers between different parts of an organization. Your awareness helps you identify where integration matters, supporting more experienced colleagues to design and maintain effective solutions.

Developing

At a developing level you are starting to contribute to the design and implementation of basic integration solutions under guidance. You support the configuration and monitoring of data transfers between systems, learning to follow best practices and address minor issues. Your work helps ensure the reliable movement of information within defined parameters.

Proficient

At a proficient level you are able to design and implement integration solutions that connect multiple systems securely and efficiently. You make informed decisions on integration patterns and technologies, ensuring smooth data flow and reliable system interactions. Your work improves organizational performance by enabling seamless business processes across both internal and external systems.

Advanced

At an advanced level you are able to design robust integration architectures that connect complex systems across your organization and with external partners. You anticipate future needs, set integration standards, and solve critical data flow challenges with minimal supervision. Your work ensures secure, efficient sharing of information, lifting business performance and reliability.

Expert

At an expert level you are leading the design and implementation of integration architecture across complex, large-scale systems. You anticipate and resolve sophisticated integration challenges, ensuring secure, reliable data flow between all platforms within and beyond the organization. Your approach sets best practice, resulting in high-performing, future-proof solutions that support seamless business operations.

Architecture Governance

Architecture Governance is the structured process of overseeing, directing and controlling architectural decisions within an organization. This encompasses framing the scope of designs, ensuring compliance with internal standards, and monitoring architecture-based projects. Effective governance facilitates informed decisions, aligns technical strategies with business needs and contributes meaningfully to enterprise-wide operational efficiency.

Foundational

At a foundational level you are aware of the basic principles of architecture governance and understand why oversight and compliance matter in the design process. You follow established guidelines and seek guidance when faced with unfamiliar decisions, supporting the team’s efforts. Your actions help maintain consistency and ensure architecture work meets organizational standards.

Developing

At a developing level you are supporting architecture governance activities by following established processes and contributing to discussions on design and compliance. You seek guidance to understand how decisions align with standards and organizational priorities. Your involvement helps maintain consistency and ensures that architecture projects meet basic expectations.

Proficient

At a proficient level you are consistently applying established architecture governance processes to your projects and initiatives. You ensure designs meet organizational standards and policies, and actively monitor compliance throughout delivery. Your approach helps maintain architectural quality and supports business goals across multiple teams or functions.

Advanced

At an advanced level you are confidently leading architecture governance activities across complex projects, ensuring decisions align with organizational standards and future direction. You set frameworks, resolve escalated issues, and guide others to meet compliance requirements. Your actions help the organization make better architectural choices and improve consistency across multiple business areas.

Expert

At an expert level you are driving architecture governance across the organization, setting clear principles and frameworks that others follow. You anticipate risks and adapt governance models to changing business needs, ensuring architecture decisions are robust, consistent and future-focused. Your leadership lifts standards and creates alignment between technical delivery and long-term business strategy.

Application Architecture Development

Application Architecture Development is the capabilityed practice of structifying software applications within an organizational ecosystem. This capability involves designing and implementing effective software applications that align with business strategies and objectives. The impact of this influences efficient business operations and improved productivity through technology.'

Foundational

At a foundational level you are beginning to understand how software applications fit into the bigger picture of your organization’s technology landscape. You can follow guidance to help document basic application structures and learn how they support business goals. Your contribution helps lay the groundwork for more effective and aligned technology solutions.

Developing

At a developing level you are starting to participate in designing and shaping software application structures under guidance. You follow established frameworks and contribute to small sections of application architecture in alignment with organizational goals. Your efforts help ensure systems fit business needs, supporting more reliable and effective operations.

Proficient

At a proficient level you are able to design and shape application architectures that support business goals and are compatible with organizational systems. You contribute to the planning and delivery of software solutions, ensuring they work well within the wider technology landscape. Your work leads to software that is reliable, easy to maintain, and supports business productivity.

Advanced

At an advanced level you are shaping application architecture across multiple systems, ensuring designs not only meet today’s business needs but can adapt for the future. You proactively bridge complex requirements, guiding teams to balance technical choices with strategic objectives. Your work results in robust, scalable solutions that drive organizational effectiveness and resilience.

Expert

At an expert level you are leading the development of sophisticated application architectures that shape your organization’s technology direction and long-term success. You set standards, make strategic decisions, and mentor others to ensure applications are scalable, secure, and tightly aligned with business goals. Your depth of expertise drives innovation and lasting value across the enterprise.

Architectural Standards Maintenance

Architectural Standards Maintenance is the ability to uphold the rules and guidelines relating to architectural processes and systems. It requires a deep understanding of architectural principles, with a focus on maintaining consistency and improving efficiency in design and build phases. This capability impacts by ensuring high-quality architecture that aligns with industry standards and promotes sustainability.

Foundational

At a foundational level you are learning to recognize and follow established architectural standards under supervision. You focus on understanding the basic rules and guidelines that shape how projects are designed and built. By doing this, you help create consistent architectural work that meets expected quality and supports team efforts.

Developing

At a developing level you are beginning to apply established architectural standards in your work, with some guidance from others. You check that your designs and documents follow set rules, seeking clarification when unsure. This helps keep projects consistent and builds your confidence in maintaining architectural quality.

Proficient

At a proficient level you are able to apply architectural standards confidently in your daily work, ensuring designs and solutions are consistent with organizational guidelines. You review and update standards as needed, drawing on your solid understanding of best practice. This helps maintain quality and reliability across architectural projects.

Advanced

At an advanced level you are proactively shaping and refining architectural standards to anticipate organizational needs and industry developments. You ensure these standards are well-integrated into complex projects, coaching others to apply them consistently. Your work results in robust, sustainable architecture that improves project outcomes and strengthens organizational alignment.

Expert

At an expert level you are trusted to set, evolve, and champion architectural standards across complex or changing environments. You use your deep expertise to lead the review and refinement of standards, ensuring they stay relevant and practical. Your leadership ensures the highest quality outcomes, fostering consistency and innovation in architectural practice.

Architecture Documentation

Architecture Documentation is the strategic capability of creating, updating, maintaining, and managing documentation illustrating the architectural design, components, and relationships within a system. It requires an understanding of architectural principles and standards, and the ability to communicate them effectively. capabilityed in this area, one can significantly improve decision-making and reduce system-related confusion and risks.

Foundational

At a foundational level you are able to gather and record basic architectural information under guidance, following set templates and instructions. You focus on capturing key components and their relationships clearly and accurately. Your careful documentation supports team understanding and helps avoid confusion as work progresses.

Developing

At a developing level you are able to assist with creating and updating basic architecture documentation under guidance. You can capture key system components and relationships using established templates and standards. Your work helps colleagues find reliable information, reducing misunderstandings as projects progress.

Proficient

At a proficient level you are able to reliably create and maintain clear, well-structured architectural documentation that reflects current systems and changes. You ensure documentation stays relevant and accessible, supporting team understanding and decision-making. Your work minimizes misunderstandings and helps guide others in following architectural standards.

Advanced

At an advanced level you are capabilityed at producing and maintaining clear, comprehensive architecture documentation that aligns with organizational strategies and standards. You proactively engage stakeholders to ensure documentation reflects evolving needs and complex system architectures. Your work enables effective collaboration, informed decision-making, and reduces uncertainty across projects and teams.

Expert

At an expert level you are trusted to lead the creation and governance of architecture documentation for complex, enterprise-scale systems. You balance strategic vision with practical detail, ensuring documents are current, comprehensive, and clear for a wide range of stakeholders. Your work enables confident decisions, minimizes misunderstandings, and sets the benchmark for architecture standards across the organization.

Capabilities