In a previous article, we broke down the 10 principles of solution architecture. But what are the steps to actually grow into the role of a solution architect? Where do you start?

It’s not just about the tech. It’s understanding what the business needs, staying within budget, and choosing the right tools to get there. Strong product sense and a high-level view of the tech stack are the foundation, but growth comes from building: you start from implementing smaller items to iteratively larger and larger chunks of systems.

For example, start with implementing a feature, then a backend service, then small system architecture, and eventually use your already deep understanding of the individual parts to build the whole solution. Having experience with implementation of the small pieces of work is essential to have the ability to deep dive and to be able to design the system so that it’s also usable for the developers, improving efficiency for the client and developer experience.

Let’s dive in and see if it’s the right path for you:

What is a solution architect?

A solution architect is ultimately a strategic role responsible for designing and overseeing the implementation of comprehensive solutions and making sure that they address specific business problems. This professional acts as a bridge between business needs and technological capabilities, crafting a high-level technical vision that aligns with an organization’s goals.

To get into the details: a solution architect evaluates business requirements and translates them into a blueprint for a solution that typically involves a combination of software, hardware, systems, and integration components. They consider factors such as scalability, performance, security, maintainability, and cost-effectiveness while designing the architecture.

In practice, the solution architect collaborates closely with a variety of stakeholders: business leaders, project managers, software engineers, and infrastructure teams to ensure that the proposed solution is technically feasible, aligned with enterprise standards, and capable of evolving with changing business needs. They often play a critical role throughout the project lifecycle, from early planning and design through development, deployment, and even ongoing optimization. To get a further understanding and what this might look like to clients, take a look at our own solution architecture service. 

Let’s take a look at a more specific example and get into some of the technical details:

AWS Cloud Solutions Architect

From a technical perspective, an AWS Cloud Solutions Architect is an expert in architecting distributed systems and cloud-native applications using AWS services such as EC2, S3, Lambda, RDS, and more. They define system architecture, select appropriate services and tools, and design deployment models that ensure performance, resilience, security, and scalability. They also guide development teams in best practices, establish CI/CD pipelines, manage infrastructure as code (IaC) using tools like AWS CloudFormation or Terraform, and ensure adherence to the AWS Well-Architected Framework. Their role often includes hands-on prototyping, cost optimization, monitoring, and ensuring cloud governance policies are enforced.

What does a solutions architect do? What does their day look like? 

Since a solution architect plays an important role in designing and implementing technology solutions that align with an organization’s business objectives – their primary responsibility is to bridge the gap between complex technical systems and business needs.

In practice, this means they collaborate with stakeholders, including business analysts, developers, and project managers, to understand requirements and translate them into robust architectural frameworks. A solutions architect’s typical day is centered on crafting technology solutions. The day is likely to start with meetings, often with stakeholders like business analysts or clients, to clarify project requirements or review progress. Next, they dive into creating or refining architectural diagrams and documentation, using tools like AWS or Visio to map out scalable systems. The day often involves consulting with development teams, troubleshooting integration issues, or reviewing code to ensure alignment with the architecture. 

Researching new technologies, such as cloud platforms or AI tools, keeps them updated on industry trends. Problem-solving is constant, whether addressing performance bottlenecks or ensuring compliance with security standards. Afternoons may include guiding teams through testing or deployment phases, mentoring junior engineers, or presenting designs to non-technical stakeholders in clear, accessible terms. No day is identical, as they juggle multiple projects, from designing microservices to migrating legacy systems. By blending strategic planning with hands-on expertise, solutions architects ensure systems are efficient, adaptable, and cost-effective, driving innovation while mitigating risks like scalability challenges or vendor lock-in. Their day ends with a sense of progress in shaping impactful solutions.

What are the tasks and responsibilities?

To simplify this, let’s take a look at a sample job posting for a solution architect:

• Design scalable, secure, and efficient technology solutions aligned with business goals.
• Translate business requirements into architectural plans and system designs.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across technical and non-technical teams.
• Evaluate tools and technologies to recommend optimal solutions.
• Ensure seamless integration with existing systems and future scalability.
• Produce design documents, diagrams, and prototypes.
• Oversee implementation, testing, and deployment of solutions.
• Troubleshoot technical issues and ensure compliance with security standards.
• Stay current on emerging technologies (e.g., cloud, AI).
• Communicate complex concepts clearly and mentor junior team members.
• Anticipate risks such as performance bottlenecks or vendor lock-in. 

Solution architect vs. principal banking architect

Since this is our industry, let’s take a look at how the general work of a solution architect applies specifically to banking architecture. 

A principal banking architect and a solution architect in the banking sector have similar roles in terms of their focus on designing solutions for banking operations and systems. Here is a quick overview of the distinctions: 

1. Principal Banking Architect: This role typically focuses specifically on the architecture and technology strategies within a banking context. A principal banking architect deals with high-level design choices that align technology approaches with the bank’s business goals. They are primarily concerned with the scalability, security, and efficiency of banking systems and may oversee the integration of new technological advancements like blockchain or AI into banking operations.
2. Solution Architect: While also involved in designing solutions, a solution architect has a broader scope that can span multiple industries, not just banking. In a banking context, they design the overall system architecture for a particular solution, ensuring it meets the specific business needs and integrates well with existing systems. Solution architects are more hands-on in the development process, often detailing the technical specifications and working closely with developers to implement the solutions.

Solution architect vs. project manager

A project manager and a solution architect need to work together on initiatives, but their roles are significantly different in focus and scope: 

1. Project Manager: This role centers on planning, executing, and delivering projects on time, within scope, and on budget. Project managers coordinate teams, manage timelines and resources, and communicate with all of these various spokes to make sure the project is on track. They focus on process, risk management, and aligning their teams with business objectives, but typically they aren’t required to or may not have the background to design the technical solutions themselves.
2. Solution Architect: In contrast, a solution architect focuses on the technical design of the solution itself. They define the system architecture, select technologies, and ensure the solution meets both business and technical requirements. While project managers oversee how work gets done, solution architects define what needs to be built from a technical standpoint and work closely with developers to guide implementation.

What does an AWS solution architect do?

Let’s further our understanding of this role by taking a close look at a specific type of solution architect. An AWS Solution Architect specializes in designing cloud-based solutions using Amazon Web Services (AWS). 

Typical Responsibilities of an AWS Solution Architect:

• Design cloud architectures: Plan and create AWS-based infrastructure that aligns with business needs and technical requirements.
• Select AWS services: Choose the right mix of services (e.g., EC2, S3, Lambda, RDS) for compute, storage, networking, and databases.
• Ensure scalability and performance: Design systems that can scale efficiently under load using features like auto-scaling and load balancing.
• Maintain security and compliance: Implement security best practices including IAM, encryption, network segmentation (VPC), and compliance frameworks.
• Troubleshoot and improve architectures: Analyze existing workloads and recommend improvements for reliability, performance, or cost.
• Stay up to date: Keep current with AWS updates and emerging cloud trends to leverage new services and capabilities effectively.

In addition to their work experience, many AWS Solution Architects hold certifications like AWS Certified Solutions Architect – for an Associate or Professional as proof of their expertise. 

Should I pursue a career as a solutions architect?

If you enjoy solving complex problems and love the idea of connecting technology with real-world business goals, then becoming a solutions architect could be a great path for you. It is a role that sits right between tech and strategy. You get to design systems that help companies work smarter, move faster, and stay competitive. One day you might be mapping out a cloud migration plan for a bank and the next you are helping a startup build a scalable app from scratch.

This career is perfect for people who like both the big picture and the technical details. You will talk to executives and developers alike, translating business needs into technical plans and making sure everything works together smoothly. Plus, it is a high-impact role that is in demand across just about every industry.

The job can be fast-paced and requires strong communication skills, a good understanding of modern tech stacks, and the ability to think ahead. But if you enjoy a challenge and like learning new things, it can be incredibly rewarding. Not only do you help shape the future of technology in businesses, but you also build solutions that actually make a difference.

For example, fintech companies are always looking over their shoulder when it comes to cybersecurity, especially when building secure digital payment systems. By putting together a smart blueprint that uses top-tier encryption and clever fraud detection tools, a solution architect can help the team build a solid, future-ready payment platform. This earns trust from users, clients, and regulators. 

Solution architects don’t just build tech, they help businesses grow and standout by crafting custom solutions and making sure systems stay secure. 

How do I become a solutions architect?

There is no single path to becoming a solutions architect, but most people start by getting solid experience in software development, systems engineering, or IT infrastructure. You really need a good technical foundation because you will need to understand how systems work together and how to design something that is secure, scalable, and efficient. 

Most solutions architects have at least a few years of hands-on experience before moving into this kind of role. Along the way, learning about cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud is a huge plus and getting certified should be something you look into early on in your journey. 

One of the most important steps is to build up your communication and problem-solving skills. A big part of the job is talking to people from different backgrounds and turning their ideas or concerns into real, feasible solutions. It helps to practice explaining tech in simple terms and thinking through how changes will affect a business as a whole.

Becoming a solutions architect is a mix of experience, learning, and growing your technical and soft skills over time.

9 Questions to ask a solution architect if you want to become one

If you still aren’t sure becoming a solution architect is the right path for you – the best way is to find a real solution architect to speak to. Ask questions that reveal the role’s responsibilities, skills, challenges, and realistic career path. Here are a few general ones to get you started or that may be useful in job interviews: 

1. What does your typical day or week look like for you? 
2. How do you balance technical design with business requirements in your projects? Are there any specific organizational strategies you use to keep it all on track? 
3. What was your career journey to becoming a solution architect, and what role most helped you prepare?
4. How can someone transition from a developer, sysadmin, or other tech role into a solution architect position? What skills should I focus on developing or showcasing in these roles? 
5. What are the biggest challenges you face when designing solutions or working with stakeholders? Can you share an example of a tough project and how you overcame obstacles?
6. How do you stay updated on emerging technologies and decide which ones to incorporate into your solutions? How do you separate real potential from marketing hype? 
7. How do you continue to grow professionally in this role? What is the number one thing to focus on so I don’t fall behind? 
8. Are there specific communities, conferences, or resources you recommend for learning and building a strong network?
9. What strategies do you use to align diverse stakeholders on a solution? How do you handle situations where technical and business priorities conflict or manage expectations?

Your next steps to becoming a solution architect 

Becoming a solution architect requires a journey of curiosity, experiential learning, and an interest in both business and technical systems. Start small, keep learning, and work your way up to dealing with more complex tasks: each feature you deploy brings you closer to seeing the bigger picture.

If you’re passionate about building solutions that create real-world impact, we may even be looking for you. Check out our Careers page to explore current openings and see where you end up.