There are over 200 different titles. Can someone tell the difference between an Integration Domain Architect and an Integration Solution Architect? Are they the same job but very different in certain ways?
Could the same person be right for Cloud Solution Architect, Cloud Technology Architect, Cloud Advisory Architect, Cloud Infrastructure Architect and Cloud Platform Architect?
Obviously, without seeing the specs, it is impossible to know.
Why Heads of Architecture are frustrated
In the recent Konvergent Architecture and Salary Rate Survey, internal Talent Teams were not thought of very highly by Heads of Architecture. To be honest, I don’t really blame them. How do you start to unpick this mess?
UK Architecture Survey 2026 · Early findings
What Heads of Architecture would change about hiring
- 1Match the job title to the work actually required59%
- 2Use architecture specialists46%
- 3Be realistic about the must-have skills46%
- 4Publish the salary or day rate36%
- 5Let candidates meet the stakeholders28%
Heads of Architecture responding to date, up to three choices each. Konvergent UK Architecture Survey 2026.
It only makes sense to me, as I have been doing it for so long; I can tell the subtle difference between the roles and why one person is good for one and not the other. But for someone who was recruiting lawyers, or even Business Analysts, last week, it is too much to get their heads around, and it adds to the frustration of the Heads of Architecture.
There is always a new job role that I have no idea about. For example, what exactly is a Forward Deployed Architect or HHRP Solution Architect, and as for a RISE Enterprise Architect….
It takes about 18 months to learn
When I brought people into the talent team, it generally took about 18 months, even if someone was working with architects day in and day out, for them to come to grips with the nuances. Even then I would be asked every day what one form of architect was, and most days I would be stumped.
If you are in a total mess trying to recruit your Forward Deployed Strategic Vision Technology Architect, do get in touch.