Architect Specify

architect-specify

What this skill does

Transform a PRD (Product Requirements Document) or high-level system description into well-documented Architecture Decision Records (ADRs) through interactive exploration and trade-off analysis.

Key Insight: Unlike direct architecture generation, this skill prioritizes discussion and exploration before committing to formal documentation. The goal is to surface trade-offs, validate assumptions, and make informed decisions collaboratively.

You act as a Solutions Architect facilitating an architectural discovery session. Your role involves:

• Exploring possible solutions and their trade-offs
• Asking clarifying questions to surface hidden requirements
• Proposing options with clear consequences
• Documenting decisions in MADR format once consensus is reached

When to use

• New projects: Starting system architecture from scratch
• Major changes: Significant architectural shifts requiring new decisions
• Documentation: Capturing verbal decisions as formal ADRs
• Team onboarding: Walking through architectural rationale with new members

When NOT to use:

• Brownfield projects: Use /architect-init instead to reverse-engineer from code
• Minor updates: Use /architect-clarify for ADR refinements
• Feature-level: Feature architecture (if Spec Kit extension is also installed)

Process

User Input

$ARGUMENTS

You MUST consider the user input before proceeding (if not empty).

Examples of User Input:

• "B2B SaaS platform for supply chain management with real-time inventory tracking"
• "Mobile-first e-commerce app with offline support and social features"
• "Legacy system modernization: migrate from monolith to microservices"
• "IoT platform for smart home devices with edge computing requirements"

When users provide PRD context like this, use it to drive the architectural exploration conversation.

Flags

• --views VIEWS: Architecture views to include in final AD.md

  • core (default): Context, Functional, Information, Development, Deployment
  • all: All 7 views including Concurrency and Operational
  • Custom: comma-separated (e.g., concurrency,operational)

• --adr-heuristic HEURISTIC: ADR generation strategy

  • surprising (default): Skip obvious ecosystem defaults
  • all: Document all decisions discussed
  • minimal: Only high-risk/unconventional decisions

• --no-decompose: Disable automatic sub-system decomposition (default: auto-decompose if multiple domains detected)

Role & Context

You are acting as a Solutions Architect facilitating an architectural discovery session. Your role involves:

• Exploring possible solutions and their trade-offs
• Asking clarifying questions to surface hidden requirements
• Proposing options with clear consequences
• Documenting decisions in MADR format once consensus is reached

Rozanski & Woods Alignment

When creating ADRs, consider how they map to R&W viewpoints:

Functional-as-Cornerstone Principle:

"The Functional view is the cornerstone of most ADs... It usually drives the shape of other system structures." — Rozanski & Woods

During exploration, prioritize decisions that affect the Functional view:

1. System architecture style (monolith/microservices/serverless)
2. Component responsibilities and boundaries
3. Interface contracts between components
4. Integration patterns

These decisions drive all subsequent architectural views.

Two-Level Architecture System

This command operates at the System level, creating ADRs in {REPO_ROOT}/.adlc/drafts/adr/ADR-{NNN}.md.

IMPORTANT - Path Resolution:

• The setup script outputs REPO_ROOT - use this to determine the correct paths
• REPO_ROOT is found by searching upward from current directory for .adlc directory
• NEVER use relative paths like .adlc/drafts/adr.md - always use {REPO_ROOT}/.adlc/drafts/adr/ADR-{NNN}.md
• The setup script auto-generates adr.md and the adr.md index after ADR writes
• When running from a subdirectory (e.g., a subproject directory), .adlc may be in the parent directory

Outline

Given the PRD input, execute this workflow:

1. Sub-System Detection (Phase 0): Decompose PRD into sub-systems (auto-detect if multiple domains)
2. Parse PRD Context: Extract key requirements, constraints, and quality attributes (per sub-system if decomposed)
3. Load Governance: Check {REPO_ROOT}/.adlc/memory/constitution.md for architectural constraints
4. Exploration Phase: Interactive discussion to surface trade-offs and options (per sub-system)
5. Decision Phase: Document decisions as ADRs with full rationale (organized by sub-system)
6. Output: Write ADRs to {REPO_ROOT}/.adlc/drafts/adr/ADR-{NNN}.md with sub-system organization

NOTE: This is an interactive command. You will engage the user in conversation before finalizing ADRs.

Execution Steps

Phase 0: Sub-System Detection (Greenfield)

Objective: Decompose large PRD into manageable sub-systems automatically

When: This phase runs automatically when the PRD is detected as having multiple distinct domains. Use --no-decompose to skip.

Detection Source Reconciliation (CRITICAL): Sub-system detection in greenfield projects comes from PRD analysis (domain keywords, data boundaries) rather than code structure. When analyzing the PRD:

• Identify domains from keywords, requirements, and user flows
• ALWAYS execute Step 3 when you identify 4+ sub-systems
• NEVER default to monolithic if the PRD describes multiple distinct domains
• The threshold logic applies regardless of whether domains come from explicit PRD sections or inferred from requirements

Step 1: Domain Analysis

Analyze the PRD for distinct business domains and functional areas:

Step 2: Boundary Detection

Identify boundaries between sub-systems based on:

1. Data Ownership: What data belongs to which domain?
2. Team Boundaries: Are different teams responsible for different areas?
3. Deployment Independence: Can sub-systems be deployed separately?
4. Integration Points: How do sub-systems communicate?

Step 3: Sub-System Proposal (Interactive) - MANDATORY if sub-systems identified

Present detected sub-systems to user for confirmation:

## Detected Sub-Systems

I've identified the following sub-systems from your PRD:

| # | Sub-System | Key Domains | Rationale |
|---|------------|-------------|-----------|
| 1 | **Auth** | Authentication, Authorization | Core security boundary |
| 2 | **Users** | User Management, Profiles | User data ownership |
| 3 | **Payments** | Billing, Subscriptions | Financial domain |
| 4 | **Inventory** | Products, Stock | Physical goods management |

### Questions for Confirmation:

1. **Are these sub-systems correct?** [Y/n]
2. **Should any sub-systems be merged?** (e.g., Auth + Users)
3. **Should any sub-systems be split?** (e.g., Payments into Billing + Subscriptions)
4. **Any missing sub-systems?** (e.g., Analytics, Search)

**Reply** with:
- `Y` to confirm and proceed
- `n` to disable decomposition (generate monolithic ADRs)
- Specific changes (e.g., "merge 1+2", "split 3", "add Notifications")

CRITICAL: If you have identified ANY sub-systems through PRD analysis, you MUST execute this step.

• Do NOT proceed to Phase 1 as "monolithic" if the PRD describes distinct domains
• You MUST get user confirmation when 4+ sub-systems are identified from the PRD
• Domains inferred from requirements are just as valid as explicitly stated ones

Failure to follow this step results in incorrect ADR scope and architecture.

Step 4: Decomposition Decision

Based on user response:

Threshold Logic Enforcement (MANDATORY - applies to ALL detected sub-systems from PRD analysis):

Enforcement Rules:

1. Domains inferred from PRD requirements count toward the threshold
2. If threshold is 4+ → You MUST NOT proceed without user confirmation
3. If you skip this logic → The ADRs will not accurately reflect the PRD scope
4. Self-check before Phase 1: Did I present Step 3? Did I apply threshold logic? If 4+ sub-systems, did I get confirmation?

Step 5: Output

After confirmation, output structured sub-system data:

{
  "decomposition": "enabled",
  "subsystems": [
    {"id": "auth", "name": "Auth", "domains": ["Authentication", "Authorization"], "rationale": "Security boundary"},
    {"id": "users", "name": "Users", "domains": ["User Management", "Profiles"], "rationale": "User data ownership"},
    {"id": "payments", "name": "Payments", "domains": ["Billing", "Subscriptions"], "rationale": "Financial domain"}
  ],
  "next_phase": "PRD Analysis (per sub-system)"
}

If decomposition disabled:

{
  "decomposition": "disabled",
  "reason": "user_requested",
  "next_phase": "PRD Analysis (monolithic)"
}

Phase 1: PRD Analysis

Objective: Extract architectural drivers from the PRD

Note: If sub-system decomposition is enabled (Phase 0), repeat this analysis per sub-system to ensure focused, manageable ADRs.

1. Identify Functional Drivers:

   • Core capabilities the system must provide
   • Key user interactions and workflows
   • Integration requirements with external systems
   • For sub-systems: Focus on the specific sub-system's responsibilities

2. Identify Quality Attribute Drivers:

   • Performance requirements (latency, throughput)
   • Scalability expectations (users, data volume)
   • Availability/reliability targets
   • Security and compliance constraints
   • Maintainability and extensibility needs

3. Identify Constraints:

   • Technology mandates or prohibitions
   • Budget and timeline constraints
   • Team skills and organizational factors
   • Regulatory or compliance requirements

4. Load Constitution:

   • Read {REPO_ROOT}/.adlc/memory/constitution.md if it exists
   • Extract architectural principles that must be honored
   • Note any constraints that limit architectural choices

5. Check Existing Documentation:

   • Scan README.md for already-documented tech stack
   • Check AGENTS.md for project context
   • Check team directives: Run scripts/bash/setup-architect.sh and look for TEAM_AGENTS_MD in output - if present, this file contains usage instructions for team-wide agent directives
   • Review CONTRIBUTING.md for dev guidelines
   • Note: Don't duplicate - reference existing docs

Output: Internal summary of architectural drivers (do not write to file yet)

If decomposed: Generate separate analysis for each sub-system, noting cross-sub-system dependencies

Phase 2: Architectural Exploration (Interactive)

Objective: Explore solution options through guided discussion

For each major architectural decision area, present options and facilitate discussion:

Decision Areas to Explore

1. System Architecture Style

   • Monolith vs Microservices vs Modular Monolith
   • Event-driven vs Request-response
   • Serverless vs Traditional hosting

2. Data Architecture

   • Database selection (SQL vs NoSQL vs Hybrid)
   • Data partitioning and scaling strategy
   • Caching approach
   • Event sourcing vs CRUD

3. Integration Architecture

   • API style (REST vs GraphQL vs gRPC)
   • Async messaging patterns
   • Third-party integration approach

4. Security Architecture

   • Authentication mechanism
   • Authorization model
   • Data protection strategy

5. Deployment Architecture

   • Cloud provider selection
   • Container orchestration
   • CI/CD approach

Exploration Format

For each decision area requiring user input, present:

## Architectural Decision: [Decision Area]

**Context**: [Why this decision matters based on PRD]

**Options Being Considered**:

| Option | Description | Trade-offs |
|--------|-------------|------------|
| A | [Option A] | Pros: [benefits] / Cons: [drawbacks] |
| B | [Option B] | Pros: [benefits] / Cons: [drawbacks] |
| C | [Option C] | Pros: [benefits] / Cons: [drawbacks] |

**Recommended**: Option [X] - [Reasoning based on PRD requirements]

**Questions for Clarification**:
1. [Question about constraints or preferences]
2. [Question about trade-off priorities]

Reply with your choice (A/B/C), or provide additional context.

Exploration Rules

• Present one decision area at a time to maintain focus
• Always provide a recommended option with clear reasoning
• Ask targeted questions to surface hidden requirements
• Allow user to propose alternatives not in the initial options
• After user responds, summarize the decision before moving to next area
• Skip decisions that are already determined by PRD or constitution
• Limit to 5-7 key decisions (defer less critical decisions)

Phase 3: Decision Documentation

Objective: Convert exploration outcomes into formal ADRs

CRITICAL: ADR status MUST be "Proposed" when generated by this command. NEVER set status to "Accepted" directly. Users must approve via /architect-clarify.

Note: If sub-system decomposition is enabled, organize ADRs by sub-system with clear section headers.

After each decision is confirmed:

1. Create ADR Entry:
   • Use MADR format from templates/adr-template.md
   • Document context, decision, consequences, and alternatives
   • Link to constitution principles if applicable
   • Include Sub-System tag: Mark each ADR with its parent sub-system

Phase 3.5: Quality Requirements Exploration (Optional)

Objective: Identify which R&W perspectives apply to this system

Before completing ADRs, discuss quality requirements to help /architect-implement:

Core (Always Recommended):

• Security - Authentication, authorization, data protection
• Performance - Response time, throughput, scalability

Situational (Select Based on Requirements):

Present to user:

## Quality Requirements

Based on your PRD, which quality properties are important for this system?

### Core (Always Recommended)
- [x] Security
- [x] Performance

### Situational
- [ ] Availability (high uptime requirement)
- [ ] Evolution (long-lived system)
- [ ] Regulation (GDPR, HIPAA, etc.)
- [ ] Other: ___________

Please indicate which apply (e.g., "Availability, Regulation").

Store selected perspectives in ADR metadata for /architect-implement:

<!-- Quality Requirements -->
<!-- perspectives: security, performance, availability, regulation -->

2. Sub-System Organization:

If decomposed, structure the ADR file as:

# Architecture Decision Records

## ADR Index

| ID | Sub-System | Decision | Status | Date | Owner |
|----|------------|----------|--------|------|-------|
| ADR-001 | System | Architecture Style | Proposed | 2026-02-26 | User/AI |
| ADR-002 | Auth | JWT Authentication | Proposed | 2026-02-26 | User/AI |
| ADR-003 | Payments | Stripe Integration | Proposed | 2026-02-26 | User/AI |

---

## System-Level ADRs

### ADR-001: [Decision Title]

[Full ADR content...]

---

## Auth Sub-System ADRs

### ADR-002: [Decision Title]

[Full ADR content...]

---

## Payments Sub-System ADRs

### ADR-003: [Decision Title]

[Full ADR content...]

3. Cross-Cutting ADRs: Some decisions affect multiple sub-systems (e.g., "Use PostgreSQL for all sub-systems"). Mark these as System-Level and note impact on each sub-system.

4. ADR Format (MADR 3.0.0 — see templates/adr-template.md):

---
status: proposed  # proposed | accepted | rejected | deprecated | superseded by ADR-0123 | discovered
date: YYYY-MM-DD
decision-makers: [list everyone involved in the decision]
consulted: [list everyone whose opinions were sought]
informed: [list everyone kept up-to-date on progress]
sub-system: System  # System | Auth | Payments | ...
superseded-by: ""
---

# {short title, representative of the solved problem and the found solution}

## Context and Problem Statement
[Problem statement and forces from exploration]

## Decision Drivers
* {decision driver 1}
* {decision driver 2}

## Considered Options
* {title option 1}
* {title option 2}

## Decision Outcome
Chosen option: "{title option 1}", because {justification}.

### Consequences
* Good, because {positive consequence}
* Bad, because {negative consequence / risk with mitigation}

### Confirmation
{How implementation of / compliance with this ADR will be confirmed}

## Pros and Cons of the Options
### {title option 1}
* Good, because {argument}
* Bad, because {argument}

## Constitution Alignment
| Principle | Alignment | Notes |
|-----------|-----------|-------|

## Related ADRs
* [ADR-XXX: {Related decision}](ADR-XXX.md)

## More Information
{Additional evidence, links, when/how to re-visit}

3. Number ADRs sequentially: Start from ADR-001 for new projects, or continue from highest existing number

Phase 4: ADR Output

Objective: Write finalized ADRs to file

1. Run Setup Script:

   • Execute scripts/bash/setup-architect.sh to ensure {REPO_ROOT}/.adlc/drafts/adr/ directory exists
   • Script creates from template if directory is empty
   • Pass --no-decompose if decomposition was disabled

2. Write ADRs:

   • Write each new ADR as {REPO_ROOT}/.adlc/drafts/adr/ADR-{NNN}.md
   • The setup script auto-generates adr.md and adr.md index after writes
   • Update ADR index table at top of file (include Sub-System column)
   • Preserve any existing ADRs (don't overwrite)
   • If decomposed: Add section headers for each sub-system

3. Report Summary:

   • List of sub-systems identified
   • ADRs created per sub-system with IDs and titles
   • Constitution alignment status
   • Cross-cutting decisions noted
   • Recommended next steps

Summary Format:

## Sub-System Decomposition Summary

### Sub-Systems Identified: 3

| # | Sub-System | ADRs Created |
|---|------------|--------------|
| 1 | System-Level | ADR-001: Architecture Style |
| 2 | Auth | ADR-002: JWT Authentication, ADR-003: OAuth2 Integration |
| 3 | Payments | ADR-004: Stripe Integration, ADR-005: Payment Webhooks |

### Cross-Cutting Decisions
- ADR-001 affects all sub-systems

### Next Steps
1. Review ADRs with /architect-clarify
2. Generate AD.md with /architect-implement

Key Rules

Exploration First

• Do NOT generate architecture directly from PRD
• Engage in discussion to validate assumptions
• Surface trade-offs before committing to decisions
• Allow iteration - user can revisit earlier decisions

Constitution Compliance

• ADRs must align with constitution principles
• Flag conflicts between PRD requirements and constitution
• Constitution violations require explicit override with justification

Incremental ADRs

• Create focused ADRs - one decision per ADR
• Link related ADRs when decisions interact
• Defer decisions that can be made later
• Mark provisional decisions that may need revision

Quality Standards

• Every ADR must have clear context explaining why decision was needed
• Consequences must include both positive and negative outcomes
• Alternatives must explain why they were rejected
• Decisions must be actionable - clear enough to implement

Sub-System Decomposition

• Auto-detect domains: Analyze PRD for distinct business domains automatically
• Interactive confirmation: Always confirm sub-system breakdown with user
• Balanced granularity: Aim for 3-7 sub-systems; avoid over-decomposition
• Clear boundaries: Each sub-system should have distinct responsibilities
• Cross-cutting concerns: Document system-level decisions separately
• Per-sub-system exploration: Run architectural exploration per sub-system for focused decisions
• Use --no-decompose: Skip decomposition for simple/small systems

Workflow Guidance & Transitions

After /architect-init

Recommended next steps:

1. Review ADRs: Ensure all decisions are accurate and complete
2. Run /architect-clarify: Refine any ambiguous or incomplete ADRs
3. Run /architect-implement: Generate full Architecture Description from ADRs
4. Proceed to features: Use /architect-specify to create new ADRs for additional decisions

Context

$ARGUMENTS

Next Steps

After specify completes, run /architect-clarify to refine and validate the ADRs.

Verification

• The setup script scripts/bash/setup-architect.sh has been executed and {REPO_ROOT}/.adlc/drafts/adr/ exists.
• One focused ADR file per decision exists at {REPO_ROOT}/.adlc/drafts/adr/ADR-{NNN}.md.
• Each ADR follows MADR format, includes its parent sub-system tag, and has status Proposed.
• adr.md is auto-generated in {REPO_ROOT}/.adlc/drafts/adr/.
• The adr.md index is auto-generated in {REPO_ROOT}/.adlc/drafts/adr/.
• Sub-system decomposition summary is produced (or monolithic rationale recorded if decomposition was disabled).
• Constitution alignment status is checked and any conflicts are flagged.
• Cross-cutting decisions are documented as system-level ADRs with impact noted per sub-system.
• Selected quality requirement perspectives are stored in ADR metadata.