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

Module 1: Scalable Architecture Standards

Objective: Establish a simple, shared set of architecture standards that Principals can reference for daily decision-making.

Topics

• Architecture principles: Distinguishing between what to standardize and what teams should decide
• Decomposition fundamentals: Defining clear boundaries and ownership
• Integration fundamentals: Managing API contracts, versioning, and compatibility
• Messaging overview: Evaluating Kafka versus RabbitMQ and identifying areas for standardization
• Data overview: Approaches to ownership and source-of-truth strategies (Mongo + SQL Server)
• Common architectural anti-patterns in high-scale systems
• Lightweight decision documentation (ADR/RFC concepts)

Module 2: Code Architecture in Large .NET Solutions

Objective: Align on practical guidance for making code architecture decisions within large solutions.

Topics

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

Module 3: Design Reviews That Drive Decisions

Objective: Implement a consistent design review approach that yields clear decisions and shared understanding.

Topics

• Defining what constitutes a strong design review at the Principal level
• Review workflow: Determining what gets reviewed and at what stage
• Review criteria: Focusing on the most critical factors
• Facilitation: 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 review exercise using a short system-level case study

Module 4: Influence Without Authority for Principals

Objective: Enhance mentoring, feedback, and alignment habits with individual contributors.

Topics

• Mentoring versus directing: Coaching without assuming ownership
• Providing high-level technical feedback that is clear and standards-based
• Driving alignment among ICs: Applying practical techniques
• Handling disagreement and resistance constructively
• Simple conversation patterns and scripts that Principals can reuse