A Solution Architect connects a business outcome to a solution that teams can build and operate. The role covers the whole solution, including existing systems, purchased services, data flows and operational constraints. Exact responsibilities vary by organization.
For a customer returns portal, the architect checks how orders are found, who approves refunds and how the warehouse receives return instructions. A working website is insufficient if the finance system cannot reconcile refunds. The design must connect these activities and explain what happens when an integration fails.
The architect collaborates with product, engineering, security and operations; they do not automatically own every implementation decision or approve business spending. A useful answer names both the deliverables and how their assumptions are validated during delivery.
A common mistake is describing the job as choosing cloud services and drawing diagrams. Diagrams are useful only when they support decisions, shared understanding and a workable solution.
A library of IT interview questions with detailed answers — from Junior to Senior.
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