Architecture Review
Architecture Review Checklist
A short checklist for reviewing cloud architecture diagrams before they become blockers.
Reading time
3/6/2026
4 min read
Short, practical, direct.
Most architecture reviews fail for ordinary reasons: weak flow context, unclear ownership, and missing security or operations detail.
01
Start with flow clarity
A diagram should show where requests begin, where data lands, and who owns the path. If reviewers cannot narrate the flow in plain language, the diagram is not ready.
- Name the entry point and trust boundary.
- Label the data stores that matter.
- Call out sync, async, and batch paths.
02
Review for security and recoverability
Security and reliability gaps are visible long before implementation starts. Look for identity boundaries, secret handling, backups, and clear failure paths.
- Who is allowed to call each component?
- Where are credentials and secrets stored?
- What happens when a dependency fails or slows down?
03
Capture ownership and freshness
A diagram without an owner or review date goes stale fast. Add title, owner, version, and last-reviewed date.
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