[Masterclass] Architectural Katas Workshop | Ted Neward

Join Ted Neward, acclaimed author of The Busy Developer's Guide and a software architecture legend, for an immersive full-day masterclass on December 6, 2025.

 Inspired by Fred Brooks' insight—"How do we get great architects? Great architects architect"—this session adapts the ancient martial arts tradition of "kata" to software design.

Architectural Katas are structured, small-group exercises (3-5 people) where non-architects practice building semi-realistic systems, much like coding katas (created by Dave Thomas) let developers tackle problems beyond "Hello World."

You'll split into teams to architect a "real-world" business problem: formulating an architectural vision, defending choices against instructor questions, and evaluating peers' efforts. No tools needed—just your mind, customer feedback, and collaborative grit. Expect hands-on practice in resilient, scalable designs that bridge theory and practice.

• Practice architecture in a low-stakes, semi-realistic environment to build confidence.
• Learn to formulate visions, defend decisions, and evaluate peers for better system design.
• Balance performance, scalability, and maintainability without over-relying on tools.

Outcomes:

• A hands-on blueprint for a real-world software system, ready to apply.
• Skills to handle complex requirements, defend architectures, and incorporate feedback.
• Insights from Ted’s decades of experience, fostering collaborative problem-solving.

Needed Equipment

• No mandatory tools—use your mind and group discussion!
• Optional: Notebook/pen for sketches, or a laptop/tablet for digital note-taking (e.g., diagramming tools like Draw.io if preferred).
• Bring an open mind and readiness to collaborate—no coding needed.

Who Should Attend:

• Aspiring architects and developers wanting structured practice beyond basics.
• Team leads and DevOps engineers building scalable, resilient systems.
• Anyone curious about "non-architect" opportunities in software design.

This masterclass is your chance to architect like a pro—register now!

About the trainer

Ted Neward — Principal, Neward & Associates

Ted Neward, known as “The Dude of Software”, is a veteran technologist, author, and speaker with expertise spanning dozens of programming languages and platforms. As Principal of Neward & Associates, he helps organizations tackle complex software challenges with clarity and pragmatism. Recognized for his candid, no-nonsense style—sometimes likened to “the Dr. Gregory House of Software”—Ted is as entertaining as he is insightful. Based in the Pacific Northwest, he balances his professional work with writing, teaching, and an ever-growing collection of gadgets.