Engineering the Future of Software
Feb 3–4, 2019: Training
Feb 4–6, 2019: Tutorials & Conference
New York, NY
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The well-rounded architect

Patrick Kua (N26)
2:15pm–3:05pm Wednesday, February 6, 2019
Fundamentals
 Location: Mercury Ballroom
Secondary topics:  Best Practice, Overview
Average rating: ****.
(4.62, 24 ratings)
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Who is this presentation for?

  • Software engineers and architects

Level

Intermediate

Prerequisite knowledge

  • A general understanding of software development

What you'll learn

  • Understand the breadth of the architect role
  • Identify how architects add value to teams and organizations
  • Explore the challenges an architect faces and strategies of handling those challenges
  • Learn a model and map of skills to help plan development and training opportunities for would-be or current architects
  • Discover traps for would-be architects

Description

Being a successful architect requires more than just a good understanding of architecture. Patrick Kua explores the breadth of skills and experience an architect should focus on and outlines the balance of traits that makes a well-rounded architect.

Patrick examines the architect role from a number of perspectives—looking both inward and outward—to determine the different skill areas an architect requires to be successful. Patrick also shares some of the typical traps that an architect who focuses too much on a single aspect falls into and discusses their negative consequences to teams and organizations. Patrick concludes by offering a map for you to assess and plan your own development to learn and maintain a balanced set of skills and become a well-rounded architect.

Photo of Patrick Kua

Patrick Kua

N26

Patrick Kua is the chief scientist at the mobile bank N26, where he’s building the engineering group that will change how retail banking works. Previously, Patrick was the CTO of N26 and a principal technical consultant at ThoughtWorks in London. He’s the author of three books: The Retrospective Handbook, Talking with Tech Leads, and most recently, Building Evolutionary Architectures. Patrick is a frequent conference speaker and blogger. He’s passionate about bringing a balanced focus between people, organizations, and technology.