Having performed the role of architect in two different companies I might caution that the role is most often about training and mentoring. There's a lot of exp

Having performed the role of architect in two different companies I might caution that the role is most often about training and mentoring. There's a lot of explaining the same concepts (this time to a different team) and soothing touchy egos. It's also a role that requires a strong ability to communicate upwards to less technical people otherwise you'll be left high and dry without any support. You have to be on constant defense from all sides, as almost no engineer thinks you offer any value, and so is often trying to convince management you are superfluous. It can be very satisfying, and I've really enjoyed it both times and would actively seek it again, but it's certainly not the ivory tower it looked like when I was an engineer.