TOGAF® Standard, 10th Edition · OGEA-101 Foundation · Quick revision
Architecture Framework
Official definition — learn word for word
“A conceptual structure used to plan, develop, implement, govern, and sustain an architecture.”
§1.1 adds: a foundational structure, or set of structures, which can be used for developing a broad range of different architectures. It should include a method for describing both a baseline and target state in terms of building blocks, and planning the evolution from baseline to target.
“The TOGAF Standard is an architecture framework” (CC §3.1).
Source: CC §4.13 · CC §1.1 · CC §3.1
Memory aid
Five verbs: Plan · Develop · Implement · Govern · Sustain — “PDIGS”.
Memory aid — not TOGAF wording.
In plain words
A ready-made structure — method, vocabulary, templates — that you tailor so that everyone does architecture the same way.
Plain-English summary — not TOGAF wording.
Worked example
CDIPD adopts TOGAF, renames some terms to match DUK's glossary (terminology tailoring), drops steps the university's project office already covers (process tailoring), and uses its own repository folders (content tailoring).
Illustrative example (Digital University Kerala) — not from the Standard.
01Mind map — related concepts
Architecture Framework
FIVE VERBS
Plan · Develop · Implement · Govern · Sustain
SHOULD INCLUDE
Method for baseline → target in building blocks
TAILORED
Terminology · Process · Content (Prelim 2.3.5)
TOGAF IS ONE
Methods and tools to produce and use an EA
ADOPT SELECTIVELY
Can select documents, exclude others
NOT TO CONFUSE WITH
Framework (§4.46) or Method (§4.55)
Source: CC §1.1, §2.2, §3.1, §4.13 · ADM §2.3.5
02Framework vs Architecture Framework vs Method
| Term | Chapter 4 definition |
|---|---|
| Framework (§4.46) | A structure for content or process that can be used as a tool to structure thinking, ensuring consistency and completeness |
| Architecture Framework (§4.13) | A conceptual structure used to plan, develop, implement, govern, and sustain an architecture |
| Method (§4.55) | A defined, repeatable approach to address a particular type of problem |
Source: CC §4.13, §4.46, §4.55
03Tailoring the framework — Preliminary step 2.3.5
Terminology tailoringagreed terminology set; consider an Enterprise Glossary
Process tailoringremove, add or align ADM tasks to other frameworks
Content tailoringadapt content structure and classification
A framework is typically tailored to meet the specific needs of the organization; tailoring should establish a set of tools and a common vocabulary (CC §1.1).
Source: ADM §2.3.5 · CC §1.1
04Where it appears in the ADM
Preliminary · Step 2.3.2
Confirm Governance and Support Frameworks — the architecture framework forms the keystone to the flavor of Architecture Governance.
ADM §2.3.2
Preliminary · Step 2.3.5
Tailor the TOGAF Framework and, if any, Other Selected Architecture Framework(s).
ADM §2.3.5
Deliverable
Tailored Architecture Framework.
AC §4.2.21
05Exam traps
“TOGAF must be adopted in full” → It is feasible to select particular documents for adoption while excluding others
“A framework is used exactly as published” → It is typically tailored to the organization's needs
“Tailoring happens in Phase A” → Preliminary step 2.3.5 — Tailor the TOGAF Framework
“Architecture framework and method mean the same” → A method is a defined, repeatable approach; a framework is a conceptual structure
“Tailoring is only about the process” → Three kinds: terminology, process, content
06Self-test — tap to reveal
Q1Define an architecture framework.
A conceptual structure used to plan, develop, implement, govern, and sustain an architecture.
Q2What should an architecture framework include (§1.1)?
A method for describing baseline and target states in terms of building blocks and planning the evolution between them.
Q3Is TOGAF an architecture framework?
Yes (§3.1).
Q4Which step tailors the framework?
Preliminary step 2.3.5.
Q5Name the three kinds of tailoring.
Terminology, process, content.
Q6What should tailoring establish (§1.1)?
A set of tools and a common vocabulary.
Q7Can an organization adopt the ADM but not the Architecture Capability material?
Yes — selective adoption is feasible and encouraged.
Q8Which deliverable records the tailoring?
Tailored Architecture Framework.