Architecture Governance

Architecture governance is the set of structures, policies, and workflows that ensure architecture decisions align with strategy, standards, and stakeholder needs. It includes roles, review boards, exception processes, and metrics for compliance and value delivery. Governance should enable speed with guardrails, not bureaucracy for its own sake.

In Practice

Larkinized LLC designs governance to match organizational culture—centralized standards with federated decision-making where appropriate. Traceability from principles to reviews to funded work packages demonstrates EA impact. Regular calibration prevents the ARB from becoming a late-stage bottleneck.

Example

An architecture governance charter defines mandatory ARB review for systems handling regulated data or exceeding capital thresholds.