Architecture Contract

An architecture contract documents the approved architecture for an implementation initiative, including scope, standards compliance, interfaces, and acceptance criteria. It establishes accountability between solution teams, enterprise architects, and sponsors. Contracts may include waivers with explicit remediation plans and dates.

In Practice

Larkinized LLC uses architecture contracts at phase gates to prevent scope drift and undocumented exceptions. Contracts reference repository baselines and link to test evidence for NFR validation. They support audit and vendor performance management in regulated industries.

Example

A signed architecture contract specifies API standards, data entities, and performance thresholds before development funding release.