The Different Types of Software Architects

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Software architecture can be a hard thing to pin down. While at times architecture may feel intimidating, anyone writing any code is participating in software architecture. From simple scripts to sprawling distributed systems there is always a software architecture whether planned or not. While every person that writes code participates in architecture, there are some that have the distinct role of shepherding the software architecture of a system. Depending on what kind of system you are working on and the business structure that surrounds it there can be different types of software architects you will encounter.

The Accidental Architect

Either because someone doesn’t have the distinct role of architect or because there is a need for this person they knowingly or unknowingly step up. The people that end up as accidental architects weren’t looking to take this step in their career but it just happened to them. The benefit that can come out of this is humility in being asked to fill this role which is, unfortunately, sometimes missing with many non-accidental architects. While almost certainly not trained or experienced in leading architecture, accidental architects can still be successful in steering an application’s development. Those that find themselves in this situation would be well served in educating themselves in software…