What Does a Data Architect Do?

More and more organisations are appointing data architects in recent years and as a result there is a growing demand for data architects and data architecture. However, often the outline of what a data architect is and does can be imprecise and vary from organisation to organisation. It is also not always clear as to why an organisation might need one.

The role of a data architect is a multifaceted and vital one within any organisation. Despite its importance, there is often confusion surrounding the exact responsibilities and skill set of a data architect. Given that we, at Register Dynamics, have considerable experience working as data architects, we wanted to share some of our insights with you.

This article aims to clarify what we believe are the key aspects of this role, based on our experience, shedding light on the various skills and tasks that data architects undertake to enable effective data utilisation and decision-making.

What are a data architect’s core responsibilities?

Setting a vision

At its core, a data architect sets the vision for an organisation's data usage and strategically builds data models to meet its specific needs. This involves a combination of data analysis, synthesis, and effective communication to select the best tools and visualisation methods to gain valuable insights. The ability to think strategically is crucial, as data architects identify problems that can be addressed through data design.

Ensuring good governance

A data architect plays a pivotal role in data governance by establishing data standards and driving data innovation. They must ensure that data adheres to policy guidelines, effectively designing, supporting, and guiding the upgrade, management, decommission, and archival of data. This not only helps maintain data integrity but also facilitates compliance with regulatory requirements.

Also read: What is Data Governance and why is it important?

Designing and optimising architecture

The data technology architecture, encompassing metadata, integration, business intelligence, and data warehouse architecture, falls under the purview of a data architect. They define and maintain this architecture, positioning the organisation for present and future data needs. This includes the ability to envision an organisation's data future and create a practical plan to achieve it.

Also see: The four pillars of modern data architecture

What skills make an effective data architect?

Seeing the big picture

A data architect must possess a holistic understanding of the entire data process, from collection to utilisation, and how each component fits into the overall data flow. This requires consideration of various stakeholder needs, including users and data engineers, and finding a balance that satisfies all parties.

Ensuring Quality

Ensuring data quality is paramount. A data architect must consider security, accessibility, shareability, reliability, durability, and other essential aspects to ensure that data meets acceptable standards. As well as ensuring the implementation and procedures meet the policy guidelines. This includes adapting to changes and identifying potential problems to prevent disruption to data structures.

Being a bridge between stakeholders

Another critical aspect of the data architect's role is acting as a bridge between technical and non-technical stakeholders, facilitating effective communication and collaboration. They should encourage the right behaviours, foster local decision-making, and drive culture change within the organisation.

Data architects endeavour to derive value from data, acting as the glue that brings together business owners, information specialists, and technology implementers behind a shared vision. They influence the pace of change, aligning it with product development phases and the broader needs of the organisation.

Characteristics of a great data architect

Ultimately, a data architect ensures that data is not just a stored asset or cost centre (or even a liability if regulatory requirements are not met!) but a valuable product that contributes to the organisation's success. They are overall responsible for their team’s data handling practices and data infrastructure and ensuring it meets organisation policy and standards. At senior levels they are responsible for setting those policies and standards and ensuring they are met throughout the organisation. This requires being articulate, persuasive, enthusiastic, and a good salesperson in order to bring people on board with them, while also being adaptable and continuously learning new technologies.

Summary

In summary, a data architect is not only a specialist but also a problem solver, capable of understanding complex issues and recommending the best solutions. They drive the transformation of data assets into actionable insights, providing technical leadership, and helping the organisation navigate its data journey. A successful data architect embodies a combination of technical expertise, strategic thinking, communication skills, and a deep understanding of the organisation's data needs.

If you are struggling with getting the most out of your data, ensuring coherent data strategy and integration across your organisation or ensuring good data standards and data governance, or if you feel you can benefit from what we’ve discussed in the article, then Register Dynamics may be able to help. We have several experienced data architects who have worked in a variety of organisations and we would be delighted to support you with your specific needs. So, let’s talk and get the conversation going now!

Author

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Owain Jones

Owain is a senior technologist with considerable experience in how to both generate and use data in a way that provides meaningful insights in a range of situations.