Architecture Design Skill
When to Invoke
Automatically activate when user:
- •Says "How should we build this?", "What's the architecture?"
- •Asks "Tech stack?", "System design?", "How to architect?"
- •Mentions "architecture", "technical decisions", "stack"
- •PRD and epics are approved (Phase 3)
- •Uses words like: architecture, tech stack, design, system, build, technical
Specific trigger phrases:
- •"How should we build this?"
- •"What's the architecture?"
- •"Choose tech stack"
- •"System design for [project]"
- •"Technical architecture"
- •"How to architect [feature]"
Prerequisites:
- •PRD exists and approved
- •Epics defined
Do NOT invoke when:
- •PRD not ready (use bmad-product-planning first)
- •Already have architecture (skip to stories)
- •Simple Level 0-1 project (may not need formal architecture)
Mission
Convert approved product requirements into a Decision Architecture that communicates component structure, technology choices, and rationale for implementation teams.
Inputs Required
- •prd: latest PRD plus epic roadmap from product-requirements skill
- •constraints: non-functional requirements, compliance rules, and integrations
- •existing_assets: repositories, current architecture diagrams, or technology standards
- •project_level: BMAD level sizing to guide depth of design
Missing inputs must be escalated to the orchestrator or originating skill before work proceeds.
Outputs
- •
ARCHITECTURE.mdwritten usingassets/decision-architecture-template.md.template - •Updated risk and decision log entries summarized for stakeholders
Deliverables should highlight decisions, rejected options, and implementation guardrails.
Process
- •Validate prerequisites via
CHECKLIST.mdand confirm planning artifacts are approved. - •Identify architecture drivers (quality attributes, constraints, integrations).
- •Design component topology, data flows, and technology selections with traceability to requirements.
- •Record key decisions, alternatives, and mitigation strategies.
- •Generate or update architecture artifact using
scripts/generate_architecture.pyif structured data is available. - •Review the quality checklist and publish summary plus follow-up actions for delivery-planning and development-execution skills.
Quality Gates
Follow CHECKLIST.md to ensure completeness, feasibility, and stakeholder alignment. Stop if guardrails fail.
Error Handling
When contradictions or gaps exist:
- •Cite the specific requirement or assumption causing the conflict.
- •Request clarifications from product-requirements, UX, or discovery-analysis skills.
- •Recommend holding implementation until resolution is documented.