Do we need a data architect if we already have data engineers?

Engineers build; an architect makes the cross-cutting decisions — structure, security, governance, integration and cost — that keep many pieces of work consistent. A part-time architect alongside your engineers is a common arrangement.

Databricks or Microsoft Fabric — which should we choose?

It depends on your workloads, skills, existing licensing and how central Power BI is to your organisation. Some organisations use both. An architect compares the options against your requirements and recommends a clear path.

Can you review our existing architecture?

Yes. An architecture review covers design, security, governance, reliability and cost, and ends with findings and prioritised recommendations you can act on.

Does the architect stay involved during delivery?

They can. Architects can act as a part-time design authority while your team builds, or lead a small pod that delivers the first phase.

Are data architecture engagements delivered remotely?

Mostly, yes — delivered remotely from India. On-site workshops can be arranged for discovery or key design sessions, subject to location and availability.

Consulting for organisations

Data Architects for Databricks and Microsoft Platforms

A data architect decides how your data platform should fit together before money is spent building it, and keeps it coherent as it grows. Working across Databricks, Microsoft Fabric and Azure, they base recommendations on your requirements rather than a single product.

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What the role does

They translate business goals, security rules and budget into a target design that engineers can build — and act as the design authority that keeps teams aligned as delivery moves forward.

Typical responsibilities

Assess your current data estate, pain points and constraints
Define a target architecture and a phased roadmap to reach it
Advise on Databricks, Microsoft Fabric or a combination of both
Design data models, layers and integration patterns (batch, streaming and change data capture)
Plan governance, security, identity and network design
Estimate capacity and cost, and set guardrails to control spend
Run architecture reviews and guide engineering teams through delivery

Skills

Lakehouse and medallion architecture
Dimensional and data vault modelling
Microsoft Entra ID, networking and private endpoints
Unity Catalog and Microsoft Purview
Cost management and FinOps
Infrastructure as code (Terraform or Bicep)
Integration and streaming patterns

Relevant certifications

Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305)
Microsoft Certified: Fabric Data Engineer Associate (DP-700)
Databricks Certified Data Engineer Professional

Each proposed engineer’s own certifications are listed on their profile, so you can check them before deciding.

Engagement options

Choose the shape that fits the work. Scope, working hours and commercials are agreed with you after a scoping call.

Single engineer

One specialist joins your team for a defined scope or a continuing role, working inside your tools and processes.

Small pod

Two or more engineers with complementary skills — for example an architect alongside data engineers — delivering as one unit.

Project-based

A scoped outcome with agreed milestones, deliverables and acceptance criteria, rather than open-ended time.

Ongoing support

Continued maintenance, monitoring and enhancements once your platform or solution is in production.

Frequently asked questions

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Tell us who you need

Share the role and context. We reply to arrange a short scoping call and then share suitable engineer profiles for you to review.

Other roles

Forward Deployed Engineers →Databricks Consultants →Microsoft Fabric & Power BI Consultants →

Prefer to talk it through?

Message our team on WhatsApp with a short outline of what you need.

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