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
Overview
Architect Specializations
- Technical Architect
- Solution Architect
Quick Facts (Architect Level)
Career Progression to Architect
- Path From
- Path To
Related Roles
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