Pieces published
Twenty-five pieces on this market, under my own name.
Published since 2023. Four lines of argument, on repeat: what the market is actually doing, what good architecture practice looks like, the things people would rather not say out loud, and advice for architects themselves.
Architecture in 2025
Midway through 2023 I created an overview of where I thought the architecture discipline was at, a few months ago I updated those thoughts, but today I wanted to…
Demand for enterprise solution architects
The NZ architecture market is changing, there has been a rapid decline of organisations hiring dedicated enterprise architects. Instead I’ve seen the rise of the…
The return of the generalist architect
Historically, many organisations in NZ engaged architects at the wrong time, focusing on delivering specific solutions without considering broader business needs.…
Data architecture: the poor younger brother, now the rising star
As the youngest in the family I feel like it’s a common trait to feel like you are the one who got the rough end of the stick. Like myself I feel that over the…
Architecture market pulse update
Earlier today I looked over my “architecture pulse” article from June 2021 and thought it worthwhile giving a rundown of where I see the architecture market today…
Data architecture and the rise of modelling
I wrote a blog 6 years ago (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/data-architecture-poor-younger-brother-now-rising-star-ben-joyce) where I referred to data architecture…
State of the Union, part two
Last week in my state of the union post, I outlined why architects were struggling in todays’ market, I said I would focus this week on tips that might help…
Architecture State of the Union
Calling it a state of the union makes this sound very American, but I’ve been watching a lot of American politics lately so that’s where my head went to.
Architects’ admissions: why owning up to mistakes is key
Most architects have seen it, that one interview where the person has come in and had never made a mistake, every programme they have worked on has been on time and…
Business engagement: an architect’s most important role in low maturity organisations
Over the last couple of weeks I have had a couple of new clients (happy days) who are going through some sort of transformation, they need an architect but aren't…
The enterprise architecture gap
Over the last couple of years, I have noticed a change in the architecture landscape in NZ, which I see as being somewhat concerning in the long term. The…
Architecture is learnt through experience, not certifications
This might sound like more of a rant piece than my other blogs, and apologies for that. But I feel like I am ranting on behalf of the many architects I have spoken…
What is the best approach when an architecture function doesn’t have executive backing?
It’s a topic I’ve discussed in detail with my architecture network, which, in today’s current climate has become more prevalent. How do you stay in an organisation…
How recoverable is your EA practice?
About 6 months ago I was having a conversation with an EA about their journey. They had recently moved into a new role and we were discussing their challenges. The…
Building a solution architecture team when permanent architects aren’t an option
I have had countless conversations with architecture leaders who have struggled to find good permanent Solution Architect’s (SA’s). The overwhelming reason has been…
Why short-sighted C-suite remuneration can spell trouble for architecture practices
Over the years I have spoken to many architecture leaders who get increasingly frustrated at the short sightedness of their c-suite. One particular example whilst I…
Architects beware: reporting to the CFO could hinder your success
I have a lot of accountants in my family, so I feel pretty confident to say they are wired differently. Accountants tend to be very evidence-based and focused on…
The solution architecture conundrum
I have had countless conversations with architecture leaders who have struggled to find good permanent Solution Architect’s (SA’s). The overwhelming reason has been…
The new CIO: boom or bust for architecture
I have found it to be one of the main drivers for architects to look for pastures new. It’s a question I have been asked a number of times by architects, but in…
Thought time for an architect shouldn’t be undervalued
Having inadvertently canvassed hundreds if not thousands of architects over the years about working patterns and the nature of work a couple of common themes tend…
Becoming TOGAF certified doesn’t make you an architect
This might sound like more of a rant piece than my other blogs, and apologies for that. But I feel like I am ranting on behalf of the many architects I have spoken…
Breaking into IT architecture: certifications or experience?
As part of my role, I talk to architects across the spectrum, from senior and strategic architects, through to Solution and Domain Architects who are new to the…
Christmas contract renewals: don’t leave it too late
I don’t normally stray into the recruitment advice part of my job in these posts, but this has come from several conversations I have had over the last week.
As an architect, your network is your most important tool when looking for a new role
It’s often said that people within NZ are separated by two degrees (hence the company name). I have done many informal tests of this during my years living in the…
How to progress to an architecture role in today’s market
It’s somehow been four years since I wrote one of my first blogs (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/breaking-architecture-certifications-experience-which-ben-joyce/).…