How Architecture Works
Our operating model is supported by defined architectural bodies that provide oversight, alignment, and decision-making across the Computational Sciences Center of Excellence (CS-CoE) and the broader organization. Together, these bodies ensure architecture practices remain coherent, consistent, and scalable by establishing clear mechanisms to review, align, and approve significant design choices and to guide overall architectural direction and governance.
Our operating model is supported by defined architectural bodies and an active community that together provide oversight, alignment and decision-making across the CS-CoE and the broader organization. They ensure architecture practices remain coherent, consistent and scalable by establishing clear mechanisms to review, align and approve significant design choices — and by spreading knowledge and ownership across the REDs. Ultimately guiding overall architectural direction and governance.
CS-CoE Enterprise Architecture Group
The CS-CoE Enterprise Architecture group is responsible for architectural direction and governance within the CS-CoE. The team ensures architectural standards are maintained, best practices are followed, and architecture aligns with overall business goals and strategies.
Contact the team at cscoe-ddc-ea-d@gene.com or via the Slack channel #cs-coe-ddc-architecture.
Architecture Catalysts
Architecture Catalysts act as the bridge between their area and the CS-CoE Enterprise Architecture Group. They ensure architectural alignment flows in both directions — bringing domain perspectives into enterprise discussions.
Catalysts are active members of the Architecture Council and play a key role in shaping and socializing architectural direction across the CS-CoE and the REDs.
For a detailed description of the role, expectations and nomination process, see Architecture Catalyst Role.
Architecture Council
The Architecture Council is the central forum for architectural alignment across the CS-CoE and the REDs.
It is a collaborative space where we co-create and shape the future direction of our digital landscape. The Council brings together architects, Architecture Catalysts, and subject matter experts to align on major design decisions and address cross-domain challenges.
Rather than acting as a gate, the Council exists to:
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Bring diverse perspectives together early
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Strengthen designs through constructive challenge
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Ensure consistency with our Architecture Guardrails
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Identify cross-domain impacts and integration needs
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Create transparency around key architectural decisions
The Council strives for alignment and shared ownership. When consensus cannot be reached, the Head of Architecture ensures timely resolution to maintain momentum and clarity.
Decisions are guided by the principles defined in the Architecture Guardrails and documented as Architecture Decision Records (ADRs) to foster transparency and institutional learning.
Members: Architecture Group + Architecture Catalysts + optional Subject Matter Experts.
Architecture Workgroup
Architecture Workgroups are time-bound teams established by the Architecture Council to deliver specific outcomes.
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Time-bound: Exist for no longer than three months to ensure focus and agility.
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Cross-functional: Including Architects and SMEs.
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Outcome-focused: Produce concrete deliverables, e.g. blueprints or design proposals.
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Dedicated lead: Each workgroup has a lead responsible for focus, progress, and delivery
Contact & How to engage
For general enquiries or to connect with Architecture Catalysts across the organisation: Architecture Catalyst Council.
For CS-CoE Enterprise Architecture Group support: cscoe-ddc-ea-d@gene.com.
Join the Slack channel #cs-coe-ddc-architecture for announcements, meetings and quick help.