Matthias Fonteyne: As an Enterprise Architect at Agile Architects, I constantly push myself to grow on theoretical, practical, and commercial levels. Consulting is demanding—clients have high expectations because they invest heavily in expertise. That’s why finding the right match between consultant and assignment is crucial. What makes Agile Architects stand out is its people-centric approach, where profitability isn’t the primary driver. Instead, our sales team actively looks for engaging projects that align with both my professional and personal aspirations, rather than just focusing on quick placements.
My Experience as a Consultant at Agile Architects
On one hand, I have the opportunity to sharpen my knowledge through relevant training and certifications. Right now, I’m upgrading my TOGAF 9 certification to the latest version. While the framework may seem theoretical, it provides a structured thinking approach that is essential for architectural decision-making. This makes me more valuable in the market, giving me access to a wider range of assignments.
On the other hand, I’m part of a warm community of like-minded colleagues. We support each other by testing theoretical knowledge against daily realities. Thanks to diverse client experiences, my colleagues share practical insights and valuable second opinions that help me see challenges from different perspectives. This kind of feedback gives me new tools and ideas that I can immediately apply to my projects. I appreciate that Agile Architects values meaningful content and fosters an environment where I can grow.
The Benefits of Working with Diverse Clients
One of the things I love about my job is working with clients across various sectors. Starting at a new client is always an exciting challenge, but it also brings momentum that accelerates transformation. My greatest value as a consultant lies in the extensive experience I’ve gained, and I use those lessons learned to provide sound advice.
It’s a privilege to gain insight into the internal workings of so many different organizations. Each client has a unique culture and way of working, and understanding that takes time—but that’s what keeps my job engaging and dynamic. Once mutual trust and synergy develop, collaboration becomes even more energizing.
It’s a privilege to gain insight into the internal workings of so many different organizations. Each client has a unique culture and way of working, and understanding that takes time—but that’s what keeps my job engaging and dynamic. Once mutual trust and synergy develop, collaboration becomes even more energizing.
Ensuring Effective Communication and Collaboration
When I join a new organization, I make it a priority to quickly identify key stakeholders and understand their concerns. My main advice? Get to know people and listen to their worries, even if they seem minor.
In decision-making processes, I believe it’s essential to hear all perspectives without getting stuck in endless discussions. Business users want quick solutions, CISOs focus on security, and sponsors prioritize budget control. As an architect, my role isn’t to make decisions but to objectively present options along with their pros and cons. Often, unseen interests influence outcomes, so I document choices in an Architecture Decision Record (ADR) to ensure the rationale remains clear and traceable for the future.
Handling Resistance to Architectural Changes
Consulting isn’t just about technical expertise—it requires strong interpersonal and social skills. Many organizations are in the midst of transformation, and that often leads to change fatigue. A common pitfall for consultants is trying to impose past solutions without fully considering the client’s specific context, which can backfire.
Resistance usually arises when people don’t have enough time to process change before deadlines hit. I’ve found that listening to concerns, involving impacted colleagues, and clarifying the rationale, personal impact, and available support significantly increase buy-in. While resistance may not disappear completely, this approach makes it much easier to navigate.
Designing Future-Proof Agile Architectures
Organizations need to stay adaptable in today’s fast-changing world. That’s why I adhere to several core principles when designing agile architectures:
- Composability: Using modular components that interact loosely instead of tightly integrated systems.
- Just-enough-architecture: Designing only what’s necessary at the moment while iteratively expanding for future needs.
- Communication: Engaging stakeholders regularly, incorporating feedback, and making adjustments as needed.
- Trust the team: Avoiding unnecessary details that don’t add value, stepping out of the ivory tower, and relying on experienced professionals who understand the business best.
Conclusion
Being a consultant at Agile Architects means continuous learning, meaningful collaborations, and impactful solutions. Through knowledge sharing, open communication, and an agile mindset, my colleagues and I elevate both our clients and ourselves to new heights. Every challenge is an opportunity to grow, and I’m grateful to be part of an environment that fosters both professional and personal development.
