"Architecture facilitates decision and supervises its execution."
An architect provides highly technical solutions in terms and visualisations that is understandable to the client, so that the client understands to options available to him. After the client has made his choice, it's the responsibility of the architect to make sure that the technical details of the choice are in fact realised within the vision of the client.
That is the essence of an IT Architect. Your job is to provide a decisionmaker with the best possible option with the least consessions, having assessed the facts, the risks and the demands
Some architects argue that they are merely facilitating the decision making process, but that's selling the profession short. Facilitation stops with a layout of all the given options, including their pros en cons.
But the true passion of an architect lies in conceiving an option that is best for all parties concerned and advocating this option. That's what constitutes the guidance that you are obligated to give, whether it is asked for or not.
Ever wondered why so many IT projects still fail? I think it's because the world of IT runs on people without any formal education who are into it because it's either 'fun' or just a good opportunity.
In which other industry can you still apply for a specialist's position, when all you have is to weeks of training and some experience fumbling at home? That's like becoming a surgeon, because you like to cut the meat when cooking.
The reason that this situation continues to exist after the three or so decades, is because people in general still don't grasp the complexities that make up the IT environment. But also because people in IT explain this fact.
Rocket sience is what it is, namely complex, but take some intelligent people, give them the proper education and they will be able to do it. It's the same with IT; appreciate it for what it is, invest in formal education for it and prepare the right people to operate it. Only then will IT provide it's full potential to the people and not just to the shareholders of the major IT suppliers.
