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

Module 1: Scalable Architecture Standards

Objective: To establish a simple, shared set of architectural standards that Principals can readily reference in everyday decision-making.

Topics

• Architectural principles: Distinguishing between items to standardize and those left to team discretion
• Foundations of decomposition: Defining clear boundaries and ownership models
• Integration fundamentals: Managing API contracts, versioning, and compatibility
• Messaging overview: Evaluating Kafka vs. RabbitMQ and determining standardization needs
• Data management overview: Focusing on ownership and source-of-truth concepts (Mongo + SQL Server)
• Identifying common architectural anti-patterns in high-scale systems
• Implementing lightweight decision documentation (ADR/RFC concepts)

Module 2: Code Architecture in Large-Scale .NET Solutions

Objective: To align on practical guidance for making code architecture decisions within extensive solution frameworks.

Topics

• Structuring large .NET solutions: Organizing modules, layering, and boundaries
• Managing dependency direction and maintaining architectural visibility in code
• Shared libraries: Determining when they add value versus when they introduce coupling
• Defining integration boundaries in code: Applying separation of concerns patterns
• Developing code architecture “review lenses”: Identifying key areas for quick assessment
• Handling exceptions while maintaining system consistency

Module 3: Design Reviews that Drive Decisions

Objective: To establish a consistent approach to design reviews that yields concrete decisions and shared understanding.

Topics

• Characteristics of a strong design review at the Principal level
• Review workflow: Determining what gets reviewed and the appropriate timing
• Review criteria: Focusing on the most critical factors
• Facilitation skills: Keeping senior-level discussions focused and productive
• Decision closure: Strategies for resolving debates and moving forward
• Capturing outcomes: Documenting decisions and follow-up actions
• Practical exercise: Conducting a review using a short system-level case study

Module 4: Influence Without Authority for Principals

Objective: To enhance mentoring, feedback, and alignment practices with individual contributors.

Topics

• Mentoring vs. directing: Coaching effectively without taking ownership of the work
• Providing high-level technical feedback: Ensuring clarity and alignment with standards
• Driving alignment across ICs: Applying practical techniques for consensus
• Managing disagreement and resistance constructively
• Reusing simple conversation patterns and scripts for Principals