Architect (Overview)

Architect level: system design, strategy, and enterprise solutions. Technical Architect and Solution Architect specializations.

Category: Team
Tags: salesforce roles architect architecture strategy

Author: callinj
Name: Joe Callin
Title: Sr. Salesforce Developer
Email: joe@jcallin.dev

Table of Contents

  1. Overview
  2. Architect Specializations
  3. Quick Facts (Architect Level)
  4. Career Progression to Architect
  5. Related Roles
  6. See Also

Overview

Architects operate at the strategic level. They focus on system design, cross-functional strategy, and enterprise solutions. They understand code and can provide guidance when needed but are not focused on day-to-day code. They own architecture and strategic direction, working across teams to ensure scalable, maintainable, and aligned solutions.

At this level, two specializations are defined:

  • Technical Architect - Platform and system architecture, technology choices, integration patterns, data architecture
  • Solution Architect - End-to-end solution design, business alignment, cross-system and cross-cloud strategy

Both are architect-level roles (same level, different focus). Progression to either typically comes from Staff/Principal Developer (IC track) or Technical Lead (leadership track).

Architect Specializations

Technical Architect

Focus: Platform and system architecture, technology choices, integration patterns, data architecture, cross-team technical standards.

Typical deliverables: System and platform architecture designs, technical design documentation for Technical Leads, technology recommendations, integration patterns, cross-team technical standards.

View full Technical Architect role →

Solution Architect

Focus: End-to-end solution design, business alignment, solution scope and trade-offs, cross-system and cross-cloud strategy.

Typical deliverables: Solution architecture designs, solution scope and approach, business-technology alignment, strategic guidance for initiatives.

View full Solution Architect role →

Quick Facts (Architect Level)

  • Code Involvement: 10-20% (Review for strategic/solution alignment only; guidance when needed)
  • Typical Experience: 7+ years
  • Decision Authority: System/solution architecture, technology choices, cross-team standards, strategic direction
  • Focus Area: Strategic design, system-wide or solution-wide perspective, enterprise solutions

Career Progression to Architect

Path From

Path To

  • Senior Technical Architect / Senior Solution Architect (larger scope)
  • Enterprise Architect (organization-wide focus)
  • Technology leadership roles

See Also