Architecture practice
On the mechanics of running an enterprise architecture function in 2026 — decision records, fitness functions, governance, the realities of large-scale transformation, and the patterns that actually fit modern organisations.
This is the architecture-practice cluster. The pieces are written from a working architecture leader's perspective rather than a consultancy or vendor view; the focus is on what actually works inside organisations.
Recent
The evolving role of architecture decision records in the age of generative AI
ADRs have re-emerged as one of the most useful artefacts in mature architecture practice. Five considerations for how the practice should evolve as AI-assisted authorship changes the economics.
Architectural fitness functions: a practical framework
A framework across six categories — alignment, operational characteristics, technical debt, cost, security, and the function's own decision quality — with example metrics, data sources and implementation considerations.
Identity-first security: rethinking the enterprise perimeter
The structural shift from network-perimeter to identity-centric security, the five architectural implications, and a four-stage maturity framework.
Event-driven architecture: when it adds value and when it doesn't
A counter to the default recommendation toward event-driven design. Five contexts where the pattern genuinely adds value, three where it doesn't, and a practical assessment framework.
Lessons from large-scale ERP transformation
Five lessons from leading the architecture for a CHF 350M+ multi-region S/4HANA transformation that don't appear in the vendor narrative.
The commercial EA tool market has 18 months
A market call on the trajectory of the commercial enterprise architecture management tool category, and what Chief Architects and CIOs should do about it now.
What an acquisition-heavy company actually needs from its architects
The textbook EA function doesn't fit roll-up companies. A working framework for the architecture function inside a PE-backed acquisition machine — including the 30-60-90-180 pattern, the federated data model, and the vendor consolidation calendar.
Background — the EA governance series
A foundational series from 2023 that established the case for architecture governance as a discipline.
- Introduction to enterprise architecture governance
- Establishing an enterprise architecture governance framework
- Defining and enforcing standards for enterprise architecture artefacts
- Developing and maintaining an enterprise architecture roadmap
- Monitoring and measuring the effectiveness of the enterprise architecture
- Optimizing IT governance: strategies for effective decision-making
On vendor evaluation and modernisation
- Maximising the benefits of COTS solutions: a brief guide for enterprise architects
- Maximising the value of COTS solutions: insights for enterprise architects
- Creating an effective process for application review in enterprise architecture
- Digital transformation roadmap: integrating IT strategy
Related
Case studies of platforms built end-to-end — Meridian and CANVAS — sit alongside this cluster as the deeper technical companion pieces. The full chronological index is at /blog/.