Architecture Board

An architecture board—often called an Architecture Review Board (ARB)—is a cross-functional body that evaluates proposed designs, standards changes, and exceptions for enterprise impact. It ensures consistency with principles, reference architectures, and portfolio priorities. Effective boards combine architectural depth with business and security representation.

In Practice

Larkinized LLC helps clients define ARB membership, submission templates, SLAs, and escalation paths. Boards work best with pre-review coaching and clear decision records stored in the repository. Executive sponsorship signals that architecture compliance affects funding and release authority.

Example

The architecture board approves a temporary integration exception with a documented sunset date tied to a modernization work package.