Architecture Standards and Design Reviews for Principals (AS meets DR) Training Course

Module 1: Architecture Standards that Scale

Objective: Establish a simple, shared set of architecture standards for government that can be referenced in daily decision-making.

Topics

• Architecture principles: determining what to standardize and what decisions can be made by teams
• Decomposition basics: defining boundaries and ownership for government systems
• Integration basics: API contracts, versioning, and compatibility for government applications
• Messaging overview: evaluating Kafka versus RabbitMQ and determining what to standardize for government use
• Data overview: understanding data ownership and source-of-truth concepts (Mongo + SQL Server) for government data systems
• Common architectural anti-patterns in high-scale government systems
• Lightweight decision documentation (ADR/RFC concept) for government projects

Module 2: Code Architecture in Large .NET Solutions

Objective: Provide practical guidance for code architecture decisions within large .NET solutions for government.

Topics

• Structuring large .NET solutions: modules, layering, and boundaries for government applications
• Dependency direction and maintaining visible architecture in code for government projects
• Shared libraries: identifying when they are beneficial and when they create coupling for government systems
• Integration boundaries in code: separation of concerns patterns for government applications
• Code architecture “review lenses”: key elements to quickly assess for government projects
• Managing exceptions without compromising consistency in government systems

Module 3: Design Reviews that Drive Decisions

Objective: Establish a consistent design review approach for government that produces clear decisions and shared understanding.

Topics

• Elements of a strong design review at the Principal level for government
• Review workflow: determining what gets reviewed and when for government projects
• Review criteria: focusing on the most critical aspects for government systems
• Facilitation: ensuring senior discussions remain focused and productive for government reviews
• Decision closure: methods for resolving debates and moving forward in government projects
• Capturing outcomes: documenting decisions and follow-up actions for government
• Practicing review using a short case study (system-level) for government systems

Module 4: Influence Without Authority for Principals

Objective: Enhance mentoring, feedback, and alignment practices with individual contributors (ICs) for government.

Topics

• Mentoring versus directing: coaching ICs without assuming ownership for government projects
• Providing high-level technical feedback that is clear and standards-based for government systems
• Driving alignment across ICs: practical techniques for government teams
• Handling disagreement and resistance constructively in government settings
• Simple conversation patterns and scripts that Principals can reuse for government interactions