Architecting a system need a wide knowledge of technologies, COTS, projects, standards.... | Java.net
When we start working on a new project as an architect we are dealing basically with a set of requirement which our architecture should be able to act as a foundation for the design and implementation of those requirements in form of a software system. to let the customer fulfill its requirements in a better and more efficient way.
Preparing the architecture for a software system means not only the architect to be familiar with the domain but also he should well aware of new technologies, frameworks, COTS, and standards available not only for the domain he is working on but also for the development platform which will realize the architecture into a working piece of software.
Knowing a platform is the foundation for knowing the related technologies, standards and popular frameworks around that platform, but to know the COTS, or open source projects around the same domain we are going to work on we will need to have some experience in implementing some software in the similar fields or we should have some research in the similar domain.
Having enough experience in doing architecture, knowing the domain, the platform and the free or commercial enablers form the necessaries in creating a good architecture but it is not enough because of the advancement in deployment models which one can select to develop and deploy the system independent of the domain itself. Having knowledge and experience with component models, modularity frameworks, integration standards and solutions, and deployment model form the next set of necessities in creating a good architecture.
Finally, I think being passionate in doing something play a big role in being successful in it. So, being passionate is the most notable requirement for an architect and without it, the architect will not be able to achieve his goal which is nothing but preparing a good architecture and realizing it to a good software.