I joined Iasa Global in March 2014 as an individual full time member, so it is a year now. What do you do, and how long have you been doing it? I am senior architect with a large private oil and gas major in India. I took up this position six months ago and am part of a team that is setting up the Enterprise Architecture function for the group. Prior to this role, I spent nineteen years with two major Indian IT services and consulting firms travelling to different countries for client projects. In 2004, I moved from handling software design and project management to a full time solutions architect career track. I now specialize in business technology strategy, application architecture and information architecture, and work in business transformation initiatives and reference architecture development.

Q: Why did you decide to contribute to Iasa and what does your involvement look like?

I initially signed up for IASA membership in order to attend architect training and pursue the CITA certification. I found on the Iasa Global website that there are multiple platforms offered to members to contribute. I started initially with blogs, but seeing the volunteer calls for the guidebook, moved to contributing to capabilities for the Business Technology Strategy pillar. My initial submissions brought me positive feedback from IASA’S BOE Committee chair, Miriam Grace. I went on to take up more capabilities areas as we were looking for authors to complete the guidebook. On an average I spent 3-4 few hours every weekend and completed five different capabilities. I am currently working on the training modules to accompany the capabilities guidebook which is likely to take up some more effort. I also continue to sign up for trainings and certifications. I completed my CITA-F certification last July and plan to appear for CITA-A this fall.

Q: How has your involvement with contributing in Iasa Global benefited you?

Contributing to Iasa and being a member has benefited me in many different ways. I get to enhance my knowledge looking up past experiences, researching and validating the information I eventually condense for the capabilities. Getting ISA BOE’s direct input and feedback from peers is great validation of my experience. Working alongside peer architects from premier organizations worldwide, has also significantly expanded my professional network. And of course, I have made new friends across the globe as well.

Q: Why is it important for other organizations or individuals to join and contribute to Iasa Global?

If you look at the growing complexity and inter-connectedness of systems today, against the backdrop of security threats, architecture specialization is becoming a necessity for organizations across the world. Yet, I know from experience of the wide disparity and confusion on the architect’s role and sometimes the maturity of architecture itself. Iasa recognizes architecture as a profession requiring a systematic body of skills and has a well-defined body of knowledge and career ladder defined by the collective efforts of practicing architects over the past decade. Second, Iasa recognizes the role of architects as a bridge between business and IT and the ITABoK equips architects with the tools and knowledge that are requisite to that role. As a vendor, industry or framework neutral body, it is a great peer platform for career architects. Contributing will help grow and consolidate a shared global body of knowledge that can be institutionalized across industries, similar to project management and quality practices.

Q: What are your hobbies?
I like to read as well as write in my spare time. I also like to cook and experiment with new cuisines and recipes.

Q: What book are you currently reading?
A lot of technical books are taking up my reading time at the moment, so for leisure, I am re-visiting some of my old favorites – Jerome K Jerome’s Three Men in a Boat and Three Men on the Bummel. I am also reading Poems of William Blake.

Q:What social networks do you belong to?
I use Facebook to stay connected with friends, family and follow personal interest groups. I use LinkedIn for professional networking but prefer memberships with professional associations like Iasa and IEEE for networking and to follow developments in architecture and technology. I also contribute to online travel and book communities.

Q: Any last thoughts?
I would like to end with sharing two quotes I have heard from fellow architects at work and that highlight the human dynamics aspect of an architect’s role. First is, “The most important tool for an architect is a box of chocolates”. And the second, “Architects should be good at what they do. But great architecture is everyone’s responsibility”.