17 October 2025 - The Architecture Exchange 2025 virtual event series – Week 5
Week 5 of the UCISA Architecture Exchange
Last week’s UCISA Enterprise Architecture Exchange once again delivered a strong programme of sessions, delving into a variety of strategic, practical, and technical themes in enterprise architecture.
Throughout the four sessions, sector peers shared rich insights, practical frameworks, and real-world examples that continue to foster knowledge sharing and collaboration across the community.
HERM Application Reference Model
The week opened with an engaging session on the HERM Application Reference Model, led by Louw Labuschagne (Newcastle University) and featuring a detailed presentation from Dave Berry (Edinburgh University). Louw outlined how the application reference model fits within the broader suite of HERM reference models. Dave shared how the University of Edinburgh has implemented the model, highlighting its advantages and the challenges faced during adoption. The session concluded with a discussion as attendees exchanged their own experiences and approaches to applying the model, and Louw walked through the application of the model in parallel with the TBM (Technology Business Management) Taxonomy at Newcastle University.
Technology Roadmaps
The Technology Roadmap Session, facilitated by Daniel Poole (Newcastle University), included presentations from Steven Taylor (Leeds University) on how technical and strategy roadmaps are developed and aligned into an integrated plan. Following this, Sharvari Andhare (University College London) shared their approach to ensuring the runway (landscape) is prepared to successfully land the big planes (initiatives), drawing on concepts from Scaled Agile.
Designing Your Data Architecture
The Designing Your Data Architecture session, facilitated by Abdul Abdulquader (Newcastle University) featured a presentation from Omar Radwan (King’s College London) on A Holistic Approach to Enterprise Data Architecture, followed by Abdul Abdulqader’s presentation The Journey for Designing a Data Architecture Practice – Newcastle’s Approach and Progress to Date.
Technology Modelling using ArchiMate
The Technology Modelling using ArchiMate sessions, facilitated by Low Labuschange (Newcastle University). Louw’s presentation focused on integrating ArchiMate with ISO 20000 (ITSM) and ISO 19770 (ITAM) to deliver compliant IT operations. Louw provided practical guidance on mapping ITSM roles to specific ArchiMate Viewpoints (e.g., Service Realisation) and detailed the use of the ArchiMate Technology Layer elements to model infrastructure precisely. Key architectural accelerators included the HERM Technical Reference Model and a Cybersecurity Reference Model that links CIS Controls to the ISO 19770 asset inventories. This approach provides a unified architectural foundation for service-asset lifecycle governance and continuous improvement.
Looking Ahead
A big thank you to all the presenters and facilitators for contributing their time, expertise, and insights. The wide range of topics and the open, collaborative discussions are what make the UCISA Enterprise Architecture Exchange such a valuable forum. We’re excited to continue the dialogue next month with another series of sessions that will build on the strong momentum and collective energy of this vibrant community.
