The allure of autonomy offered by platform transformations is highly appealing to our customers. However, this freedom can sometimes become a two-edged sword. Customers begin to realize that along with autonomy, development teams and the organization as a whole shoulder significant responsibilities. Consequently, there arises a need for technical expertise that can embrace diverse designs. Traditionally, this results in architectural oversight, where a group of senior engineers is appointed as architects. Unfortunately, determining the appropriate level of oversight becomes challenging, and the group often becomes seen as an inaccessible "Ivory tower" always occupied with meetings. This shift disrupts the balance, reallocating skilled engineers from coding to unproductive gatherings, breeding chaos, and discontent. What exactly is happening here, and how can we address it?

In this engaging presentation, we will break free from conventional molds and revolutionize the role of architects in modern contexts. Embark on a journey with me as we explore principles that have emerged through practical experiences in real-world projects. You will gain invaluable strategies for mentoring development teams, streamlining processes, and maximizing efficiency. By establishing the right structures, architects can effectively guide teams toward the path of success—the "pit of success," as aptly described by Scott Guthrie. We aim to ensure that architects are regarded as collaborative peers rather than mythical 10x engineers.