What Does a Solutions Architect Do? Job Role Explained

The global enterprise architecture software market is increasing at a CAGR of 9.84% and is set to reach USD 735.03 million by 2028. Within this expanding industry a solutions architect plays a crucial role. 

They are responsible for bridging the gap between business requirements and technological solutions. But what does a solutions architect actually do?

In this article, we’ll explore the key responsibilities of a solutions architect, how they differ from other architect-level roles like enterprise and technical architects, and the skills required to excel in this profession. We’ll also discuss the increasing demand for solutions architects and what it means for the future of the industry.

What is A Solution Architect?

As the need for enterprise software development increases, so has the demand for solutions architects. In fact, the number of contract jobs in this field doubled over the past year. 

A Solutions Architect is a specialized role within the field of IT and business strategy that focuses on designing and implementing comprehensive technical solutions to meet specific business needs. 

This role is integral in ensuring that the technology strategy aligns with the business objectives, ultimately driving efficiency and innovation within an organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Designing Solutions: Solutions Architects create detailed blueprints for software and systems that solve particular business challenges. This includes selecting appropriate technologies and frameworks, defining the architecture, and ensuring scalability and security.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: They work closely with stakeholders, including business leaders, project managers, and developers, to gather requirements and ensure that the proposed solutions align with business goals and technical constraints.
• Managing the Engineering Process: Solutions Architects oversee the implementation process, ensuring that the development phases are executed correctly and that the final solution meets the specified requirements.
• Providing Specifications: They provide detailed technical specifications and guidelines for the development team, ensuring that every component of the solution is clearly defined and understood.

 

By understanding the unique role of a Solutions Architect, organizations can better leverage their expertise to create effective, efficient, and scalable technology solutions that drive business success.

Solution Architect vs. Other Architect-Level Positions

A solution architect plays a unique role compared to other architect-level positions such as enterprise architects, technical architects, and infrastructure architects. 

While all these roles involve leveraging technology to support business objectives, the solution architect specifically focuses on addressing an organization’s needs and objectives. 

There are over 153,124 solutions architects currently employed in the United States. To excel in their role, solution architects must possess a combination of technical and communication skills. They need a deep understanding of software development and solution design best practices to effectively bridge the gap between business needs and technical implementation.

While all architect-level positions involve interaction with stakeholders, the solution architect role specifically focuses on understanding business requirements and translating them into viable technical solutions. 

This requires close collaboration with development teams, project managers, and other stakeholders throughout the software development lifecycle.

Position	Role and Responsibilities	Skills Required
Solution Architect	Address specific business needs and objectives by designing and implementing technical solutions	Mix of technical and communication skills, deep understanding of software development and solution design
Enterprise Architect	Design and govern the holistic IT ecosystem of an organization to align with business strategy	Strategic thinking, business acumen, enterprise-wide perspective
Technical Architect	Define the overall structure and framework for implementing technical solutions	Strong technical expertise, in-depth knowledge of systems and technologies
Infrastructure Architect	Design and manage the infrastructure components and systems to support business operations	Knowledge of hardware, networks, and systems architecture

Skills and Experience of a Solutions Architect

Solutions architects play a critical role in architecting successful solutions that meet the complex needs of businesses. To excel in this role, they need a diverse skill set that combines technical expertise with effective communication and project management skills.

• Communication Skills

57% of jobs in the U.S. list effective communication skills as essential. As a solutions architect, strong communication skills are essential for effectively collaborating with stakeholders and project teams. 

You must be able to translate technical concepts into clear and concise language that is easily understood by both technical and non-technical individuals. 

Excellent listening skills are also crucial for gathering requirements and understanding the unique challenges faced by the business.

• Project and Resource Management

In addition to technical proficiency, solutions architects must possess project and resource management skills. 

This includes the ability to plan and prioritize tasks, allocate resources effectively, and manage project risks. By efficiently utilizing resources, solutions architects are able to meet project goals and deliver high-quality solutions within budget and time constraints.

• In-Depth Analysis

Analytical skills are fundamental for solutions architects to navigate complex systems and understand intricate business requirements. 

Through in-depth analysis, solutions architects can identify potential bottlenecks, anticipate challenges, and propose optimal solutions that align with non-functional requirements. 

This involves evaluating the feasibility and impact of different options, as well as making data-driven decisions to ensure the success of the solution.

• Domain Knowledge

A thorough understanding of business processes and technical specifications is crucial for solutions architects. By having a deep knowledge of the organization’s operations and industry-specific requirements, solutions architects can design solutions that address the unique needs and challenges of the business. 

This includes being well-versed in non-functional requirements such as security, scalability, and performance, as well as having an understanding of technical frameworks and best practices.

Salary of a Solutions Architect

According to Glassdoor, the average annual base salary for a solutions architect in the United States is $134,960. However, salaries can vary based on factors such as experience, industry, and location.

Experience Level	Salary Range
Entry-Level	$90,000 – $120,000
Mid-Level	$120,000 – $160,000
Senior-Level	$160,000+

It’s important to note that these figures are estimates and can vary depending on various factors. However, solutions architects are generally well-compensated for their skills and expertise.

How to Become a Solutions Architect

While there is no single path to becoming a solutions architect, becoming a Solutions Architect requires a blend of education, technical skills, and business acumen. Here’s a streamlined guide:

Education

The number of Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services graduates in the workforce has been growing at a rate of 5.13%, from 2.21M in 2021 to 2.32M in 2022.

Most professionals in this field hold bachelor’s degrees in information technology, computer science, or a related field. These academic qualifications provide a strong foundation for understanding the technical aspects of the role. 

Technical Skills

Pursue certifications from platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure to validate your expertise in cloud computing. Stay updated with the latest technologies and tools to maintain a competitive edge

However, technical skills alone are not enough to excel as a solutions architect. 

Business Acumen

It is essential to also have a deep understanding of business goals and how technology can be leveraged to meet those goals. 

Solutions architects must be able to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical stakeholders, effectively communicating the value of their solutions to all parties involved.

Soft skills

86% of executives identify ineffective communication as a reason for workplace failures. Cultivate strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, excellent communication and presentation skills, and effective project management capabilities. These skills are crucial for designing innovative solutions and collaborating with teams to deliver results.

Keep learning through recommended books and resources to deepen your understanding of solutions architecture.

Conclusion

Solutions architects are integral to the success of businesses, as they provide technical solutions that drive innovation and efficiency. Their expertise in finding the best tech solution and implementing it effectively and efficiently is vital in meeting business goals. 

By collaborating with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, solutions architects bridge the communication gap and ensure that the chosen solutions meet the needs of the entire organization. By collaborating closely with development teams and project managers, they ensure the seamless integration of technical solutions into the overall business strategy.

Similarly, Flatirons’ custom enterprise development services tailors digital solutions to meet the unique demands of your enterprise. From enterprise web and mobile apps to expert IT consulting and ongoing support, we’re committed to driving innovation and efficiency throughout your organization.