What Is a Solutions Architect (and How Do I Become One)?

A solutions architect creates the overall technical vision for a specific solution to a business problem. They design, describe, and manage the solution. In many ways, this person builds the bridge between a business problem and the technology solution and outlines the phases and requirements required to make that solution work. 

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What does a solutions architect do? 

A good solutions architect looks at the existing environment and analyzes what technologies are available and what software product must be developed to provide the best solution for the problem that needs to be solved. 

From there, the solutions architect creates an overall strategic technical vision—similar to an architect designing a blueprint for a building. Based on that vision, they develop a budget for producing a software product. 

After the stakeholders have agreed on the project, the solutions architect is responsible for monitoring the process and keeping stakeholders updated and informed on the progress. Most of the time, the project involves technical and non-technical stakeholders, and the solutions architect must ensure each party's needs are considered and factored into the project's scope. 

Tasks and responsibilities

Depending on the company you work for and the project you’re working on, your day-to-day tasks as a solutions architect might include:

• Providing recommendations and roadmaps for proposed solutions

• Performing design, debug, and performance analysis on solutions

• Documenting and sharing best practice knowledge for new solutions

• Advocating for process improvements and helping develop solutions

• Regularly communicating new features and benefits to partners, customers, and other stakeholders.

• Providing technical leadership to a team throughout the project lifecycle

• Developing proof-of-concept projects to validate your proposed solutions

• Reviewing and validating solution designs from other team members

Solutions architect vs. project manager

Although a solutions architect is not a project manager, this position requires excellent project management skills to ensure the project stays on time, on budget, and effectively solves the problem it was developed to solve. It also requires clear communication skills and the ability to translate technical details into simple language that will be easy for non-technical stakeholders to understand. Successful solutions architects are usually curious, rational, analytical, and methodical—all of which are important traits for this job. 

The solution architect role also requires projecting into the future and considering upcoming uses. A solutions architect must view the long-term product use and implement scalability and adaptability into the solution for the future.  

Why should I pursue a career as a solutions architect?

If you’re creative, analytical, outgoing, pragmatic, and can explain problems and solutions on a technical and non-technical level, you could have a future as a solutions architect. 

According to Glassdoor, the average annual base pay for a solutions architect in Canada is $117,475, ranging from about $101,000 to $137,000 [1]. Employment opportunities for computer network architects are “Good” to “Moderate” in most provinces and territories, whereas British Columbia has a “Limited” outlook [2]. As companies expand their information technology networks, the demand for solutions architects will likely increase. 

How do I become a solutions architect? 

There is no single path to becoming a solutions architect. Solutions architects generally hold a bachelor's degree in information technology, computer science, software engineering, or even business administration. A master's degree is desirable when applying for a more specialist position. 

Most solutions architects have spent at least a few years in software development, giving them a strong understanding of the tools and technologies involved in designing solutions. Five to 10 years of hands-on experience in network administration or information technology systems is common, but it varies based on what a specific company is looking for. 

Read more: Your Guide to the Master's in Computer Science

Getting started as a solutions architect

Looking for a way to build your skills and expertise as a solutions architect and add to your existing resume? Consider the University of Alberta's Software Architecture online course on Coursera to better familiarize yourself with the most common solution architectures. You can also consider the IBM DevOps, Cloud, and Agile Foundations Specialization to learn some of the most popular concepts and methodologies for managing the development process.