Welcome back.
We’ve already covered how to define your project’s Vision and how to link architecture to real business needs. Now it’s time to bring it all down to earth—into action, into delivery. That’s where the third column of the Architecture Work Canvas comes in: Work Packages & Execution.
Because here’s the reality: even with strong alignment, clear goals, and solid business logic, architecture often breaks down when teams try to deliver. Things stall. Priorities get lost. Everyone’s waiting for someone else to decide what comes next.
Without a roadmap—even a lightweight one—architecture stays stuck in theory.
The Work Packages & Execution column is built to fix that.
It helps teams sketch out an early plan using three simple building blocks: Phases, Work Packages, and Milestones & Deliverables. These elements are core to the Quick Technical Architecture Method—QTAM—and they form the missing link between strategy and execution.
Let’s walk through how this works.
Start with Phases. Think of these as major stages in the delivery timeline—onboarding, integration, rollout, stabilization. You don’t need a full project plan. Just a high-level flow that everyone can see and understand.
Next, define your Work Packages. These are meaningful chunks of work—things like “build the authentication layer,” “configure partner federation,” or “run final audit.” These are the elements you can assign, estimate, and refine as the project moves forward.
Finally, map out your Milestones & Deliverables. These are the visible progress markers—“first login tested,” “PartnerA onboarded,” or “compliance sign-off complete.” They help track results, signal readiness, and make success measurable.
What makes this structure especially useful is its flexibility. You can fill this column early with assumptions—just enough to start meaningful conversations. Or you can use it later, once work packages are clearer, to create a shareable view of the plan for your stakeholders.
At XYZ Corp, this approach made a major difference.
Traditionally, their architecture documents were comprehensive but not very actionable. Teams couldn’t see when things would get done—or even what came first. That changed during the PartnerA integration. Instead of waiting for a full spec, they used the Architecture Work Canvas from the start.
They outlined the major Phases and guessed at a few early Milestones. Then they added initial Work Packages—just enough to frame the project.
That one session created clarity. It got people talking about sequencing, feasibility, and ownership. As the design evolved, the plan was refined—but the structure helped keep everyone aligned throughout.
And the best part? It didn’t require a heavyweight project plan. Just a shared visual, reviewed and updated as needed.
This column is where architecture becomes real. Not just theory, not just diagrams, but a framework for getting the work done.
In QTAM, this maps directly to Modules 8 and 9 in the course. Those lessons walk you through practical planning using the Canvas, with real-world examples, downloadable templates, and step-by-step guidance.
If you want to apply this method to your own projects, head over to:
👉 Start here — https://qtam.morin.io/
There, you can download the free Architecture Work Canvas and enroll in the Quick Technical Architecture Method course on Udemy. It’s just two hours and includes everything you need to move from architectural intent to execution with confidence.
Thanks for following the series. Architecture isn’t just about what you design—it’s about what you deliver. And with this final column, you now have the tools to do both.
See you inside the course.
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