Approach
Five phases, from first conversation to handoff. Here's what working with me actually looks like.
Over 20 years of engineering leadership, I've refined a systematic approach to solving technical challenges. This framework ensures that solutions are not just technically sound, but aligned with business goals, stakeholder needs, and long-term maintainability.
Whether it's architecting a new system, migrating legacy infrastructure, or establishing DevOps practices, this process ensures we ask the right questions before writing the first line of code.
The framework
Every engagement follows this process from discovery to delivery.
Phase 1
Gather context before proposing solutions. Too many projects fail because we jump to implementation without understanding the real problem. I start every engagement by identifying the business goals, the people involved, the constraints we're working within, and what "done" actually looks like.
Phase 2
Evaluate current state and identify gaps. Understanding what exists today prevents reinventing the wheel and helps surface hidden risks before they become expensive problems. I inventory systems, map dependencies, and build a clear picture of where we are vs. where we need to be.
Phase 3
Propose technical approaches with clear trade-offs. Good architecture always presents options, not just a single "perfect" solution. I provide 2-3 viable paths with honest assessments of cost, complexity, and risk so the right people can make informed decisions.
Phase 4
Break work into phases with clear milestones. Incremental delivery reduces risk and provides early feedback opportunities. I define the MVP, build a phased roadmap, set realistic timelines, and make sure everyone knows their role.
Phase 5
A solution isn't done when it's deployed - it's done when it's monitored, documented, and the team can maintain it independently. I establish testing strategies, set up monitoring, write documentation, and ensure a clean knowledge transfer.
In practice
The questions I ask and deliverables I produce at each phase.
What problem are we solving? Why now? What's the impact?
Who owns this? Who uses it? Who approves it?
What could go wrong? What are the unknowns?
Multiple options with clear pros, cons, and recommendations
MVP first, iterate fast, deliver value early and often
Architecture docs, runbooks, and monitoring so the team can maintain it