Consultancy
Solutions architecture that settles the hard decisions early
Where several systems, vendors and teams meet, the costly failures happen at the interfaces. We define where data lives, how systems communicate, what runs where and what it will cost to operate.
Architecture is a set of recorded decisions
Sound architecture is not an elaborate diagram. It is a small number of explicit decisions: this system is the source of truth for customers; orders flow from here to there through this queue; these services must never be unavailable at the same time. Recorded, those decisions prevent months of dispute and rework.
We produce architecture that a different team could pick up and build. That matters if you intend to bring development in-house, or to divide work between vendors.
What we build
When organisations engage us
Before a new platform
A product or internal platform has been approved and the foundations must be right before a build team is hired.
When systems proliferate
Several tools hold overlapping customer data and none is trusted. You need a decision on which is authoritative.
Before scaling
Usage is growing and the current platform is strained. You need to know what to change first and what can wait.
Multi-vendor programmes
Several vendors are building parts of one system and need a shared blueprint and integration contracts.
How we work
How an architecture engagement runs
Step 1: Context and constraints
Business objectives, budget, compliance obligations, existing contracts and the capabilities of the team that will operate the system.
Step 2: Current-state map
Every system, data flow and integration as it exists today, including unofficial spreadsheets.
Step 3: Options and trade-offs
Two or three viable target designs, with cost, risk and complexity compared side by side.
Step 4: Target architecture
The selected design documented with diagrams, decision records, interface definitions and a migration path.
Step 5: Build assurance
Optional: we review designs and pull requests from the build team to keep the architecture intact during delivery.
Deliverables and tools
Deliverables and technology
What you receive
- Current-state system and data-flow map
- Target architecture with diagrams
- Architecture decision records
- Integration and API contracts
- Hosting and running-cost estimate
- Phased migration plan
Areas covered
- Cloud and hybrid hosting
- Data models and master data
- APIs, events and integration patterns
- Identity, roles and access
- Backup, monitoring and recovery
- Data protection obligations under Indian law
Engagement model
An architecture engagement typically runs three to six weeks at a fixed fee, depending on the number of systems in scope. Architecture assurance during a build is usually a modest monthly retainer.
Often paired with custom software, web applications and technology selection.
FAQ
Questions about solutions architecture
Do we need an architect if we are already hiring a development firm?
For a single, self-contained project, a capable development team can own the architecture. Where several systems or vendors are involved, an independent architecture keeps everyone building to one plan.
Will the documents be usable by non-technical stakeholders?
The summary and decision records are written for founders and managers. Technical detail sits in appendices for the engineers who need it.
Can you work alongside our in-house developers?
Yes. The strongest outcome is an architecture your own team understands and endorses, so we involve them from the first workshop.
Explore
Other consultancy services
Planning a programme with many moving parts?
Tell us which systems are involved and the outcome you need.