---
title: "How to Create Architecture"
description: How to create system architecture using the BMad Method
---

Use the `architecture` workflow to make technical decisions explicit and prevent agent conflicts during implementation.

## When to Use This

- Multi-epic projects (BMad Method, Enterprise)
- Cross-cutting technical concerns
- Multiple agents implementing different parts
- Integration complexity exists
- Technology choices need alignment

## When to Skip This

- Quick Flow (simple changes)
- BMad Method Simple with straightforward tech stack
- Single epic with clear technical approach

:::note[Prerequisites]
- BMad Method installed
- Architect agent available
- PRD completed
:::

## Steps

### 1. Load the Architect Agent

Start a fresh chat and load the Architect agent.

### 2. Run the Architecture Workflow

```
*create-architecture
```

### 3. Engage in Discovery

This is NOT a template filler. The architecture workflow:

1. **Discovers** technical needs through conversation
2. **Proposes** architectural options with trade-offs
3. **Documents** decisions that prevent agent conflicts
4. **Focuses** on decision points, not exhaustive documentation

### 4. Document Key Decisions

Work with the agent to create Architecture Decision Records (ADRs) for significant choices.

### 5. Review the Architecture

The agent produces a decision-focused architecture document.

## What You Get

An `architecture.md` document containing:

1. **Architecture Overview** — System context, principles, style
2. **System Architecture** — High-level diagram, component interactions
3. **Data Architecture** — Database design, state management, caching
4. **API Architecture** — API style (REST/GraphQL/gRPC), auth, versioning
5. **Frontend Architecture** — Framework, state management, components
6. **Integration Architecture** — Third-party integrations, messaging
7. **Security Architecture** — Auth/authorization, data protection
8. **Deployment Architecture** — CI/CD, environments, monitoring
9. **ADRs** — Key decisions with context, options, rationale
10. **FR/NFR-Specific Guidance** — Technical approach per requirement
11. **Standards and Conventions** — Directory structure, naming, testing

## ADR Format

```markdown
## ADR-001: Use GraphQL for All APIs

**Status:** Accepted | **Date:** 2025-11-02

**Context:** PRD requires flexible querying across multiple epics

**Decision:** Use GraphQL for all client-server communication

**Options Considered:**
1. REST - Familiar but requires multiple endpoints
2. GraphQL - Flexible querying, learning curve
3. gRPC - High performance, poor browser support

**Rationale:**
- PRD requires flexible data fetching (Epic 1, 3)
- Mobile app needs bandwidth optimization (Epic 2)
- Team has GraphQL experience

**Consequences:**
- Positive: Flexible querying, reduced versioning
- Negative: Caching complexity, N+1 query risk
- Mitigation: Use DataLoader for batching
```

## Example

E-commerce platform produces:
- Monolith + PostgreSQL + Redis + Next.js + GraphQL
- ADRs explaining each choice
- FR/NFR-specific implementation guidance

## Tips

- **Focus on decisions that prevent conflicts** — Multiple agents need alignment
- **Use ADRs for every significant choice** — Document the "why"
- **Keep it practical** — Don't over-architect
- **Architecture is living** — Update as you learn

## Next Steps

After architecture:

1. **Create Epics and Stories** — Work breakdown informed by architecture
2. **Implementation Readiness** — Gate check before Phase 4
