What technical architects own
A technical architect sets and reviews the technical design of a solution. They consider how parts work together and how the system will operate over time.
A solution architect may cover wider business design and delivery choices. In a small team, one person may perform both roles.
Day-to-day work
- Review technical options against agreed requirements.
- Define integration, data, security, and release approaches.
- Test uncertain assumptions with small technical trials.
- Review designs and help engineers resolve difficult issues.
- Explain risks and decisions to business and delivery leaders.
Experience you need
Strong development skills provide a base. Architecture also needs experience of operational failures, cross-system dependencies, performance, and support.
Learn to explain a decision in terms of cost, risk, delivery effort, and future change. A diagram alone does not show why a design fits.
Work with functional experts. A technically tidy design can still fail if it handles a business process badly.
Moving into the role
Developers and technical consultants can start by owning one design area under an architect's review. Choose a task that crosses team boundaries.
Write down options, assumptions, and the decision. Follow the design through testing, release, and support so you can judge the result.
Check current product guidance. Older architecture exams may be retired, so confirm status before planning study or paying for training.
Employer differences
Partners may expect architecture across several projects and presales support. Client teams may focus on the long-term application estate.
Vendors need designs that work for many customers and product versions. Ask whether the job includes people management or remains a technical position.
Longer-term choices
You can become a principal architect, engineering leader, or platform owner. Enterprise architecture adds wider business and technology planning across many systems.
A senior hands-on path is also valid. Look for employers that reward design quality and mentoring without requiring staff management.
Practice task
Choose a fictional integration between D365 and an order website. State the expected volume, timing, and failure conditions.
Your practice checklist
Tick off each task as you finish. Progress stays in this browser.
0 of 4 done
Interview preparation
Explain a design you changed after new evidence. Show how you involved affected teams and recorded the trade-off.
Ask how architects stay involved after go-live and how design decisions are reviewed.
Sources and further reading
Use these sources to check product details and find learning material. Check exam and course details before booking.
- Microsoft: roles in an implementation team
- Microsoft: Power Platform developer learning
- Microsoft: X++ language guide
- Microsoft: developing in AL
- Microsoft: exam retirement dates
Work examples are learning exercises. Duties and job titles vary between employers. How we write and update our guides.
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