enterprisearchitecten

Enterprisearchitecten are professionals who design and oversee an organization's enterprise architecture, the integrated structure that links business strategy with information technology. They produce a high-level blueprint that covers strategies, business capabilities, data, applications, and technology, enabling informed decision-making during transformation and ensuring consistency across programs.

Core responsibilities include developing architecture principles and standards, modeling the current (as-is) and future (to-be) state, and creating target operating models and roadmaps. They manage governance processes, ensure architectural compliance, and balance short-term delivery with long-term strategic objectives, while addressing risk, security, and regulatory requirements.

Common methodologies and languages used by enterprisearchitecten include TOGAF, ArchiMate, and sometimes Zachman. They work with stakeholders to produce artifacts such as capability maps, information models, application portfolios, and technology roadmaps. They translate strategic goals into concrete program portfolios and interdependent initiatives.

Collaboration is central: enterprisearchitecten interact with the CIO or CTO, business leaders, portfolio managers, program directors, and solution architects to align projects with the enterprise architecture. They also facilitate communication, negotiate trade-offs, and drive modernization and simplification efforts while maintaining governance and documentation.

Qualifications typically include a background in IT or business, strong analytical and communication skills, and professional certifications such as TOGAF or ArchiMate. Some organizations require a master’s degree and several years of experience in IT strategy or business architecture.