2004-01-20

Application Architects

Project Architecture: Are You Sure We Have Time For That?
Actually, that's a good question. By the time we get to individual projects, the development of a forward-looking framework seems a little like overkill. We need good design and hopefully that is done within the scope of an existing architectural framework. So we should really discuss the role of an architect at the project level.

Projects are concrete, they have rigid requirements, and they require compromise. It is the role of an architect to bring the broader perspective, architecture, to the construction process. If no architecture exists, then it becomes essential for the architect to provide as much vision and breadth to the design as the timelines will allow. The role of an architect on a project is key if the resulting deployed application is to be both robust and well – behaved. While architecture is about the bigger picture, architects should be ready to get engaged on the details.