architect

Design technical changes with Mermaid diagrams and acceptance criteria.

5|1|Updated Apr 10, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/garethrhughes/fragile --skill architect-garethrhughes
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: architect
Source: https://github.com/garethrhughes/fragile/tree/main/.opencode/skills/architect
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/garethrhughes/fragile --skill architect-garethrhughes

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This Skill helps teams decide how to build significant changes before implementation starts, reducing architectural drift, rework, and hidden operational risk.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • System-level design: Evaluates module boundaries, data flow, schema changes, infrastructure topology, and cross-cutting concerns.
  • Proposal-first workflow: Writes structured proposals for new modules, API changes, database changes, cloud resources, observability updates, and release-process changes.
  • Trade-off analysis: Compares alternatives, surfaces assumptions, identifies edge cases, and records impact across database, frontend, tests, infrastructure, and security.
  • Use Case: A team wants to add a new service and cloud resource; this Skill drafts the design proposal, documents the risks, and defines acceptance criteria before any code is written.

Quick Start

Use the architect skill to draft a proposal for a significant change, including system boundaries, trade-offs, Mermaid diagrams, and verifiable acceptance criteria.

Frequently Asked Questions about architect

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
What is a technical design proposal and when do I need one before implementation?

A technical design proposal evaluates system boundaries, data flow, and trade-offs before code ships. You need one for significant backend, infrastructure, or API changes that could affect maintainability, security, or operational cost.

How do I draft an architecture proposal for a new service and cloud infrastructure?

Draft an architecture proposal by defining module boundaries, evaluating infrastructure topology, and adding Mermaid diagrams. The proposal includes trade-off analysis, impact assessments, open questions, and verifiable acceptance criteria.

Can I use this approach for designing API contracts and database schema changes?

Yes, you can design API contracts and database schema changes using this proposal-first workflow. It evaluates cross-cutting concerns, documents assumptions, and records impact across frontend, tests, and security before implementation begins.

What's the best way to document trade-offs and impact assessments for infrastructure changes?

The best way to document trade-offs for infrastructure changes is a structured proposal that compares alternatives, surfaces edge cases, and records impact across database, frontend, tests, and security while enforcing project architecture constraints.

Does proposal-first design work for observability updates and release strategy planning?

Yes, proposal-first design applies to observability updates and release strategy planning. It produces proposal-ready design decisions, impact assessments, and acceptance criteria to reduce architectural drift and hidden operational risk.

Why does writing a design proposal before coding reduce rework and architectural drift?

Writing a design proposal before coding reduces rework and architectural drift by forcing teams to evaluate module boundaries, identify edge cases, and define acceptance criteria before implementation starts, preventing hidden operational risk.