Data Architecture 101: The 5 Key Questions
Feb 25, 2026If you're a data leader in 2026, your brain is on overdrive.
First, you have to navigate through the noise:
- Tools
- Strategies
- Languages & File Types
- Tech Advancements
- Opinions
- Etc.
THEN you have to figure out how to apply it to your own use case.
Without making a mess.
Or missing something crucial from the start.
It's no wonder the most common description I hear is "overwhelmed".
But let's take a step back for a minute.
We don't actually HAVE to get caught up in all of these things.
Data architecture can actually be quite simple if you look at it the right way.
So today I'm going to share how you can tackle this big topic with just 5 basic questions.
And how the answers can help you build a proper data architecture, end to end.
 What we'll cover is based on the same strategy I follow with my clients.
And what I hope will help you too as you look to improve your own design.
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