What Makes a Great Software Architect? 5 Dimensions to Measure Impact

As engineers, we often celebrate the code that powers our products—but behind every robust system is a software architect shaping its foundation. Recently, I came across a fascinating perspective from Gilad Naor’s time at Meta, where managers are asked: “What would have been different if you hadn’t been here?” It’s a question that cuts to the core of contribution. Inspired by this, I started thinking: how do we evaluate the impact of a software architect, a role that’s less about managing people and more about designing the systems that define our success?

After some reflection, here are five dimensions I believe capture what makes a software architect exceptional. These aren’t just metrics—they’re a lens to see the invisible work that drives technical excellence.

1. System Design Impact: Did You Move the Needle?

Great architects don’t just draw diagrams; they deliver systems that solve real problems. This dimension asks: How did your designs fuel project success or business outcomes? Whether it’s a scalable architecture that slashed latency or a modular framework that sped up development, the impact should be tangible.

The litmus test: If your design hadn’t been there, would the system have buckled under pressure—or failed to launch at all? Think of the architect who foresaw a traffic spike and built in resilience. That’s the kind of difference that matters.

2. Technical Vision and Strategy: Are You Building for Tomorrow?

A software architect isn’t just solving today’s puzzles—they’re setting the stage for the future. This dimension measures how well you align the technical roadmap with organisational goals. Did you anticipate scaling needs? Did you prevent a tech debt disaster?

I’ve seen architects shine by pushing for cloud-native migrations or unified data models that paid dividends years later. The question here is: Did your vision save the team from costly rework—or unlock opportunities others didn’t see?

3. Collaboration and Influence: Did You Empower the Team?

Architecture isn’t a solo act. This dimension looks at how effectively you bridge the gap between design and execution. Did you explain trade-offs clearly to engineers and stakeholders? Did you mentor a junior dev into a design thinker? Did you align conflicting priorities across teams?

One architect I worked with led a design review that caught a flaw before it hit production—saving weeks of effort. That’s influence in action. Ask yourself: Did my guidance make the team sharper and the system stronger?

4. Innovation and Problem-Solving: Did You Push the Boundaries?

The best architects don’t just follow best practices—they redefine them. This dimension celebrates creative solutions to tough challenges. Maybe you devised a caching strategy that cut costs or pioneered an event-driven system for real-time wins.

It’s about trade-offs, too—balancing performance with practicality. The key question: Did your ingenuity give the organisation an edge others couldn’t replicate? If the answer’s yes, you’re not just building—you’re innovating.

5. Technical Ownership and Quality: Did You Keep the Ship Steady?

A great design is nothing without integrity. This dimension evaluates how well you ensure maintainability, security, and resilience. Did you reduce tech debt? Did you enforce standards that kept the codebase clean? Did your system hold up under real-world stress?

I once saw an architect design a framework that halved onboarding time for new engineers. That’s ownership—making life easier for everyone who follows. Ask: Did my work leave the system better than I found it? My manager refers this as Boy Scout Rule

The Ultimate Question: What Changed Because of You?

Borrowing from Meta’s playbook, the real measure of an architect might boil down to: “What would have been different if you hadn’t been here?” Would the system have scaled slower? Would teams have stumbled without your clarity? Would a critical innovation have been missed?

This isn’t about taking credit for everything—it’s about owning your slice of the puzzle. Whether you’re an architect or aspire to be one, these dimensions can guide your focus and growth.

Why This Matters

In a world obsessed with shipping features, the architect’s role can feel invisible—until it’s not. These dimensions remind us that impact isn’t just in the code; it’s in the foresight, collaboration, and ingenuity that make great systems possible. I’d love to hear your take—what dimensions do you think define a standout architect? Drop a comment or share your story!

(And if you’re curious about leadership lessons from Big Tech, check out Gilad Naor’s article on Meta’s approach).

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