The Three Types of Architecture Decisions

In this session, Paul Preiss challenges the “one-size-fits-all” approach to Architecture Decision Records (ADRs) by introducing a more nuanced framework for capturing design intent. While a single ADR template often fails to account for the varying scope and impact of different technical choices, Preiss categorizes decisions into three distinct types: strategic, tactical, and operational. By understanding the unique lifecycle and documentation requirements of each, architects can move beyond administrative overhead to create a living record that actually guides development teams.

Attendees will learn why a monolithic approach to ADRs often leads to “documentation rot” and how to implement a tiered decision-making process that balances long-term architectural integrity with the need for agile, day-to-day execution.


Paul Preiss

About Paul Preiss

Paul Preiss is the CEO and Founder of the Iasa, one of the largest Enterprise and IT architect associations in the world. Through his time at Iasa, Paul has taken the association from a single user group in Austin Tx to an international organization with chapters in over 25 countries. Paul's vision is a unified architecture profession with effective education, credentials and ethics which fully supports corporate strategy and delivery. He is a tireless advocate for the field and speaks on topics ranging form architecture ethics to best the best setup and structure for architecture teams. Paul has spoken at hundreds of events as well as held conferences and training for architects all over the world. He is an expert software and enterprise architect in practice and continues to work with companies on optimizing their technology strategy.

Prior to developing Iasa, Paul was the chief architect for Dell Pan Asia where he helped to integrate the technology strategy across 14 countries. He also served as the chief architect for the Sears point of sale replacement in North America consisting of 2000 stores and thousands of suppliers as well as the chief architect for a digital asset management firm, Ancept.

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