Solving for Intent: Architects Are Not Order Takers

Salesforce Architects are often presented with well-defined “requirements” that sound clear, specific, and urgent. But beneath many of these requests lies an unstated business problem, a misaligned assumption, or an opportunity for far greater impact. When architects simply deliver what was asked for, they risk becoming order takers—producing technically correct solutions that fail to deliver meaningful business outcomes.

This interactive workshop explores how architects can shift from widget delivery to intent-driven architecture through consultative thought leadership. Using four fictionalized but realistic customer scenarios, participants will examine how narrowly defined requirements can mask broader business needs—and how architects can responsibly challenge, reframe, and expand those requirements to deliver outcomes aligned to strategy, scale, and long-term value.

Through group discussion and collaborative analysis, attendees will practice identifying intent, asking better questions, and architecting solutions that solve the right problem—not just the requested one.

Walter Spinrad

Salesforce Certified Technical Architect (CTA) 
Managing Director @ Crowe 

Salesforce CTA 19x Certified with a passion for learning and sharing knowledge.

I am a US Army Veteran. After my service I embraced my passion for technology and completed my undergrad degree in Information Technology and post grad MBA with a focus on project management.

I have spent the last 30 years embracing life as an enterprise architect, finding patterns challenges and solving them. I enjoyed 7 years with Salesforce as a Program Architect and Services Leader. During that time, I helped develop and grow the architect enablement program used by Salesforce CSG group.

I left Salesforce May 2022 to join Crowe, LLP with a mission of creating the Salesforce Architect Practice from the ground up.

When not enjoying my time architecting solutions and coaching others I enjoy spending time with my family and dogs, traveling, cooking, golf, skiing, and reading.

Louise Lockie

Salesforce Consultant & Trainer 
@ Tangara Consulting

Louise is a member of the Salesforce MVP Hall of Fame, leader of the London Salesforce Women in Tech Group, and on the organising team for London’s Calling. She holds 25 certifications and is a Certified Salesforce Instructor. Following many years working on the customer side, she is currently an independent consultant. Louise is a multiple times Dreamforce, World Tour, and community conference speaker, having been selected to present at some of the biggest events in the Salesforce ecosystem.