Free Resources

Downloadable templates, worksheets, and checklists referenced throughout the book.

Observability and SLOs

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SLO Definition Worksheet
Chapter 11 — Observability
A structured worksheet for defining Service Level Objectives: error budget calculations, SLI selection, alerting thresholds, and review cadence.
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Decisions, Patterns, and Quality

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Architectural Decision Record Template
Chapter 14 — How to Make Architectural Decisions
A complete ADR template with context, decision, status, consequences, and alternatives considered. Based on the Nygard ADR format with practical additions.
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⚖️
Quality Attribute Prioritizer
Chapter 18 — Balancing Quality Attributes
A scoring matrix for ranking quality attributes (performance, security, maintainability, scalability, etc.) against business priorities and system constraints.
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📝
Quality Attributes Worksheet
Chapter 18 — Balancing Quality Attributes
Per-attribute worksheet for documenting requirements, scenarios, and measures for each quality attribute in your system.
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Governance and Reference Architecture

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RFC Proposal Template
Chapter 19 — Architecture Governance
A Request for Comments template for proposing significant architectural changes: problem statement, proposed solution, alternatives, risks, and review process.
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🎯
Technology Radar Template
Chapter 19 — Architecture Governance
A lightweight technology radar format for tracking and communicating your organization's stance on technologies: adopt, trial, assess, or hold.
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Reference Architecture Template
Chapter 20 — Reference Architecture
A structured template for documenting reference architectures: scope, principles, component overview, integration patterns, and governance rules.
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Architecture Proposal Template
Chapter 21 — Communication
A proposal format for presenting architectural decisions to stakeholders: executive summary, current state, proposed state, trade-offs, and implementation plan.
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Stakeholder Management

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Stakeholder Mapping Template
Chapter 23 — Stakeholder Management
A matrix for identifying and managing stakeholders: influence vs. interest grid, communication preferences, concerns, and engagement strategy.
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Your First 90 Days

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90-Day Architect Plan Template
Chapter 27 — The First 90 Days as an Architect
A structured 30–60–90 day plan for new architects: listening and learning, first contributions, and establishing architectural direction. Includes weekly focus areas and milestones.
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Architecture Review Checklist
Appendix D
A comprehensive checklist for reviewing architectural designs: functional requirements, quality attributes, security, observability, operational readiness, and documentation.
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Skills Self-Assessment
Appendix C
Rate yourself across the full skill spectrum of architectural work: technical depth, decision-making, communication, governance, stakeholder management, and leadership.
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