Why many IT Architects increasingly prefer the ‘Principal Engineer’ title?

Why many IT Architects increasingly prefer the ‘Principal Engineer’ title?

Looking back over the past few years, I have observed a noticeable erosion in the perceived value of 'Architect' title (not necessarily role) across many organisations.

Once regarded as an aspirational role for many engineers (including myself) and a cornerstone for translating business ambitions into robust technological solutions, the traditional IT architect title has increasingly been overshadowed by more dynamic engineering positions.

I believe that one significant driver of this shift has been the rise of Agile and DevOps methodologies, which favour rapid, iterative development and cross-functional collaboration over the more static, centralised planning associated with traditional architecture. The rapid pace of technological change further demands hands-on expertise and agile delivery over abstract blueprinting and governance.

As a result, many professionals with architectural backgrounds are choosing to adopt the title ‘Principal Engineer’ rather than ‘Architect’.

Does this change reflect just a semantic preference, or is it a fundamental realignment with the expectations of modern IT teams?

Principal Engineers are seen as leaders who combine architectural vision with technical depth and delivery capability, bridging the gap between strategic intent and operational reality. The move away from the ‘architect’ title signals a desire for more direct involvement in engineering challenges, and a recognition that influence is now earned through technical leadership and practical impact rather than traditional architectural authority.

As I think more deeply about this, I am not yet sure whether this shift is truly an important trend. Are architects really needed, or what is more important is ensuring that architectural thinking remains embedded within engineering teams regardless of job titles?

Ultimately, modern architects are expected to have "skin in the game" through hands-on work, guiding engineering teams through complex challenges rather than simply commanding them from a distance.

As organisations continue to value innovation and speed, the role of the IT architect will need to evolve further. Emphasising collaboration, adaptability, and technical excellence, those in the field can continue to add value—albeit under new titles and responsibilities that better suit the demands of contemporary IT environments.

Regardless of how roles are labelled, organisations must ensure that their key technical leaders continue to 📌 think architecturally. The ability to see the bigger picture over a longer time horizon, design for scalability, and align technology with business strategy remains essential, no matter whether the individual is called an Architect, Principal Engineer, or something else entirely.