Technical architect

Technical architects help plan, design and build IT systems for clients.

In this guide

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a technical architect you'll:

  • create a technical strategy to meet the client's requirements
  • compare 'off-the-shelf' solutions with building a new IT system
  • act as a link between technical teams and project delivery managers
  • explain the IT structure to product or service designers and developers
  • make sure systems meet quality and security standards
  • work with technical teams to overcome problems at each stage of development
  • keep accurate records of the steps and decisions made
  • understand and apply artificial intelligence (AI) solutions
  • advise senior managers on how to plan for their future IT needs

Working environment

You could work in an office, at a client's business or remotely.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could:

  • become a senior technical architect
  • specialise in a particular field, like finance or IT security
  • move into broader IT project management roles
  • become a strategy business planner or consultant

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • analytical thinking skills
  • maths knowledge
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • operations analysis skills
  • persistence and determination
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

Most relevant

  • Computer Science - Technical architects design and plan entire IT systems, which requires a deep understanding of programming, software architecture, data structures, and how different technologies work together. They evaluate whether to build custom solutions or use existing software, and need to understand the technical capabilities and limitations of different approaches.
  • Mathematics - Technical architects use mathematical and logical thinking to analyse system requirements, model data flows, and evaluate the performance of different technical solutions. Maths also underpins areas like encryption, network capacity planning, and the algorithms behind AI solutions they may need to implement.
  • Business - Technical architects act as a bridge between clients and technical teams, so they need to understand business needs, budgets, and organisational strategy. They assess the cost-effectiveness of different IT solutions and advise senior managers on how technology can support future business goals.

Also relevant

  • Physics - Technical architects benefit from understanding the physical principles behind computing hardware, networking, and data transmission. Concepts like signal processing, electricity, and the behaviour of electronic systems help when making decisions about infrastructure and system performance.
  • English Language - Technical architects spend a significant amount of time writing technical strategies, system documentation, and reports that need to be understood by both technical and non-technical audiences. They also need strong verbal communication skills to explain complex IT structures to designers, developers, and senior managers.
  • Design and Technology - Technical architects go through a structured design process – identifying requirements, evaluating options, prototyping solutions, and iterating based on feedback. The systematic approach to solving practical problems that Design and Technology teaches translates well to planning and building IT systems.
  • Economics - Technical architects often need to weigh up the costs and benefits of different technology investments and understand how market conditions affect IT strategy. This is especially relevant for those who specialise in sectors like finance or move into strategy and consultancy roles.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

You'll normally need a degree or postgraduate qualification to get into this career. Relevant subjects include:

  • computer science or computer engineering
  • information management systems
  • business information systems
  • software development
  • mathematics

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

You could apply to do a Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

You could then move on to a Digital and Technology Solution Specialist Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship. This leads to a postgraduate qualification.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship
  • a degree in a relevant subject

More Information

You could start with a company in a job like programming and work your way up through training and promotion.

You could apply to companies directly if you've got relevant skills and knowledge.

You'll need a broad understanding of available technologies and what they can do for the client. Employers will look for a background in:

  • systems development
  • technical analysis
  • programming
  • testing

Employers will also want to see strengths in non-technical areas like client management, communication and leadership. This is because they place importance on the ability to communicate the client's requirements to technical teams and to manage resources and demands on time.

Career tips

Experience of project management methods like PRINCE2 will be helpful along with a working knowledge of project development and information management practices like Agile and ITIL.

Further information

You can find more advice on careers in computing and IT from:

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