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From Blueprint to CTO
Martijn Veldkamp
“Strategic Technology Leader | Customer’s Virtual CTO | Salesforce Expert | Helping Businesses Drive Digital Transformation”
February 14, 2025
Remember those old cartoons where the architect with a rolled-up blueprint and a pencil behind their ear, stood stoically overseeing construction?
That image, while nostalgic, is as outdated as dial-up internet. The role of the architect has undergone a dramatic transformation, evolving from a technical specialist to a vital business strategist.
Beyond Blueprints
In todays fast-paced digital world, architects are no longer just drawing up technical plans. They’re navigating a complex application landscape of cloud computing, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and ever-shifting business needs.
The blueprint is still important, but its now just one piece of a much larger puzzle.
Think of it like this: Imagine building a house. Architects used to focus primarily on the structural integrity, ensuring the walls wouldn’t fall down. Now, you also need to consider energy efficiency, smart home integration, and how the house will adapt to the family’s changing needs over time. The modern architect is concerned with the entire ecosystem over time, not just the foundation.
Captain Sparrow fan art
Business-Savvy! As an architect you need to understand the business inside and out. How to translate business goals into technical solutions, and vice versa. You need to be fluent in the language of both the C-suite and the development team.
This means understanding market trends, competitive pressures, and how technology can drive innovation and create a competitive edge.
Its no longer enough to simply design elegant systems. The architect must also consider the business impact of their decisions. Will this architecture enable faster time to market? Will it reduce costs? Will it improve customer experience? These are the questions that keep CEOs awake at night, and architects need to have the answers.
The Architect as a Change Agent
And not a weapon of mass confusion
You are also playing a crucial role in driving digital transformation. Helping businesses adopt new Salesforce technologies, migrate away from their legacy systems, while embracing agile methodologies. This requires not only technical expertise, but also strong leadership, communication, and change management skills.
The architect is no longer just a technical expert; they are a change agent, helping organizations navigate the complexities of the digital age.
The Customer CTO
The days of the lone wolf architect working in isolation are long gone. Todays architect is a collaborator, working closely with developers, business analysts, security experts, and other stakeholders. You need to be able to build consensus, negotiate compromises, and foster a culture of collaboration.
The modern architect understands that the best solutions are often the result of diverse perspectives and shared knowledge.
That is why I think that CTO can mean much more then just Chief Technology Officer:
Collaborative Transformation Officer, Consulting Technology Orchestrator, Connector of Technology & Organizations, Catalyst for Technology & Operations
I wanted to be even more poetic but that is quite hard with just these letters. I also kinda like the following, but I’m ending the Friday with a beer and a blog, so bear with me:
Weaver of Technology & BusinessCurator of Technological FuturesInnovator of Technological Approaches
To state some open doors
The world of technology is constantly evolving. New technologies emerge, old technologies become obsolete, and best practices are continuously being redefined. You as an architect must be a continuous learner, always seeking to expand their knowledge and stay ahead of the curve.
This means attending conferences, reading industry publications, experimenting with new technologies, and engaging with the broader architectural community. Personally I mostly have several authors that I really like that help shape my thoughts. Martin Fowler has a nice group of people that use his platform to distribute interesting ideas.
To try and close the article. Organisations will need people that can act hybrid, blending technical expertise with business acumen, leadership skills, and a passion for innovation. They will be the CTOs of the future, shaping the digital landscape and driving business success.
What skills do you think are most important for the modern architect? Id love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Also please find some more interesting finds on CTO!
