Give an example of where you used an architecture framework. What characteristics were helpful, and what characteristics were not helpful?
Interviewers ask this question for several reasons. The first is to confirm your expertise and experience as a Solutions Architect. Being able to describe a specific architecture framework and its characteristics demonstrates that you have both skills and experience in this role. Another reason they will ask this question is to see whether the architecture you describe is similar to the one their organization has deployed. Organizations will frequently hire individuals who have experience aligned with their current operations to reduce the time it takes to onboard and integrate the individual into their workforce. Finally, interviewers often ask this question is to determine if you have the expertise to bring innovative and creative ideas to their organization to improve their operations or reduce their costs.
It is always a good idea to take some time to research the organization before the interview. This will help you learn about their current operations to prepare answers to the interviewer's questions that demonstrate your skills, experience, and expertise as a Solutions Architect. The research will also help you align your answers to the organization's operations, demonstrating your ability to quickly integrate yourself into their solutions architecture team. Finally, your research may identify opportunities to improve their operations using the architecture frameworks you created in your previous positions.
"Of the four common types of IT architecture frameworks, I usually implement the Zachman Framework. I prefer this because it uses taxonomy to organize various documents and materials into categories that are easy to manage when creating an IT architecture and creates structural connections across the enterprise. This framework uses six descriptive focal points and player perspectives. The foci are data, function, network, people, time, and motivation. The perspectives are planner, owner, designer, builder, subcontractor, and enterprise. Together, these create a structure that communicates how best a company can operate. Once I understand how the organization functions, I can architect an IT solution that helps the business achieve its objectives. While understanding how people do their jobs, the information they need, and how best to provide this is helpful, the time required and motivation behind the needs tend to be less important. Also, the builder and subcontractor perspectives are not as critical as those of the planner, owner, designer, and enterprise."
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