If you work in strategy or tech hiring, chances are you’ve seen these titles used interchangeably at least once. Often in the same job spec.
And yet, the difference between Enterprise, Solution, and Software Architecture is not just academic. It’s foundational. Especially when building high-performing teams or delivering on complex public and private sector change.
As someone who spends their days (and sometimes nights) talking to architects, hiring managers, and delivery leads across critical UK programmes, I’ve come to realise . .
Most misunderstandings around architecture roles stem from trying to shortcut the distinctions.
So here’s a practical breakdown of each (minus the noise, with just the right amount of nuance).
Enterprise Architecture (EA). The strategic linchpin
Think: Boardroom meets blueprint.
Enterprise Architects sit at the strategy layer. Connecting business goals to IT delivery.
They're not just drawing diagrams (though they do love a good TOGAF moment) - they’re answering big questions like:
- Are we investing in the right platforms?
- Does our tech estate support our 3-year roadmap?
- Where are we exposed, and how do we plan around it?
Their sweet spot:
Business capability mapping, target operating models, data strategy, risk governance, and aligning architecture domains across an entire estate.
Common issues in hiring:
Confusing EA with Senior Solution Architecture.
EA isn’t only about experience. It’s about breadth, business fluency, and often patience in politically complex environments.
Solution Architecture (SA). The bridge between Strategy and Delivery
Think: Translators, navigators, glue-holders.
Solution Architects translate vision into action. They work at the project or programme level, owning the architecture for a defined piece of change (whether that’s a new payments system, a data platform rollout, or integrating legacy with modern cloud services).
Their sweet spot:
Designing end-to-end solutions, managing non-functional requirements (NFRs),security, scalability, and ensuring tech selections align with business objectives.
Common issues in hiring:
Underestimating the balance of technical breadth and stakeholder management required. Good SAs don’t only architect . . they influence.
Software Architecture. The deep Tech Strategist
Think: Code whisperer with a systems mindset.
Software Architects operate closest to the code, but with a strong architectural eye. They ensure that individual applications or microservices are built to scale, secure, performant, and align with engineering principles.
Their sweet spot:
Technical design patterns, CI/CD, observability, application lifecycle, and frameworks like DDD, TDD, or clean architecture.
Common issues in hiring:
Mistaking a strong developer for a true Software Architect. While many grow from development backgrounds, this role requires architectural thinking and influence across engineering teams.
Why does this matter?
Because muddled expectations lead to poor hiring outcomes.
Hire a Software Architect thinking they’ll do Solution Architecture? Expect delivery drift.
Hire a Solution Architect to handle Enterprise-wide planning? Expect shallow alignment.
Hire an EA but only give them tactical change work? Expect frustration (and attrition).
What I tell our Clients
Clarity is everything. Before we even write the role brief, I ask:
- What’s the altitude of the role? Strategic, tactical, technical?
- Are you solving an enterprise problem, a delivery gap, or a deep engineering challenge?
- Who are they influencing - the board, business teams, developers, or all of the above?
From there, we build the right role. And that’s how you attract the right architect.
Architecture roles aren't about titles. They’re about context, altitude, and accountability.
Get that right, and everything else follows.
