Data architect

Data is now used by all sectors to guide their strategy, improve performance and gain a competitive edge.

The data architect prepares the organisation to undertake a big data project. They creatively solve data-related problems, addressing technical challenges whilst driving growth objectives.

Data refers to all digital information. It is now essential for artificial intelligence, business management and the development of a company’s offerings.

Overview and responsibilities of the Data Architect

The data architect, also known as a big data architect, gets involved well before the processing of data (both internal and external) by organising the project for the organisation.

Depending on the organisation’s needs and its sector of activity, they define the system’s architecture: creating storage infrastructure to house raw data, implementing solutions to resolve a specific data challenge, and integrating the project into the company’s IT infrastructure.

In terms of their role within the data processing chain, they are the first to be involved, as they prepare the groundwork for other specialists. To summarise, the data architect organises the project, the data engineer manages the raw data, the data scientist extracts value from it, and the data analyst interprets it.

The data architect’s role is to build the environment for collecting, manipulating and interpreting big data. Depending on the context, strategy and feasibility, they select the technological solutions and tools to be used, taking into account their impact on the overall IT system. The data architect ensures the project’s structure and coherence.

Data architect
Business implications

Data is exploding in volume, and all sectors of activity are taking an interest in it because exploiting it offers the chance to gain competitive advantages. Pharmaceutical companies, banks, insurance firms and polling organisations were the first to hire big data architects.

The profession has a role to play wherever big data is present: e-commerce, public sector organisations, transport and logistics, recruitment and temporary employment agencies


Data architect
Ethical implications
Data raises numerous ethical and legal questions. The storage and use of data are now regulated. Data architects are, of course, familiar with these issues. Legal experts in artificial intelligence and ethics officers help them to explore these matters in greater depth and to work within a framework that respects the law and fundamental human values.
aivancity’s programmes incorporate all aspects of artificial intelligence and its challenges – whether technical, technological, commercial, ethical or legal – into their curriculum. These are comprehensive, blended learning programmes that enable future engineers to acquire the highest possible level of knowledge and a broad range of expertise.

Key skills

The essential foundations of the data architect’s role are innovation, project management and creativity. Combined with a strategic vision of the data project and a keen analytical understanding of the context, these will enable them to design relevant and effective solutions.

The data architect understands the ins and outs of the sector in which they operate. They know how to build a technology stack to achieve a high-performing and optimal end-to-end system. They work by analysing ‘use cases’, that is, the ways in which a system can be used to deliver value or benefit to all stakeholders involved (technical experts and senior management).

The data architect is familiar with IT systems management frameworks (CobIT, ITIL, TOGAL), databases and big data platforms (such as Hadoop, for example), data modelling tools (ERWin, Enterprise Architect and Visio) and, of course, project management. They are fluent in English and possess excellent interpersonal skills. Their explanatory style is clear and accessible to all those they communicate with.

Keeping abreast of technological developments is essential to the role of a big data architect, as it is a source of innovation. Precision and accuracy are vital, as the investments and financial stakes are significant for the company. Their organisational skills are impeccable, ensuring that deadlines and budgets are met. Their role involves striking a delicate balance between conceptual and technical skills.

Trends and factors driving change

A data architect can progress within the same role by leading larger-scale projects with greater responsibilities. They may also move into the role of chief data officer.

Data is an incredible resource, but one that is difficult to grasp. As data projects cannot be replicated from one organisation to another, the data architect plays a key role. As a creative problem-solver, they ensure that other experts and their organisation have a sound, relevant and high-performing environment in which to manage and make the most of big data.