# Designing Architecture

Designs software architecture and selects appropriate patterns for projects.

- Repository: https://github.com/CloudAI-X/claude-workflow-v2 (1421 stars)
- Category: Design
- License: MIT
- Last updated: 2026-10-06
- Runs scripts: no, instructions only

## Install

Claude Code: `npx skills add CloudAI-X/claude-workflow-v2 --skill designing-architecture -g -a claude-code -y`
Codex: `npx skills add CloudAI-X/claude-workflow-v2 --skill designing-architecture -g -a codex -y`
Cursor: `npx skills add CloudAI-X/claude-workflow-v2 --skill designing-architecture -g -a cursor -y`
Gemini CLI: `npx skills add CloudAI-X/claude-workflow-v2 --skill designing-architecture -g -a gemini-cli -y`
Claude Code plugin marketplace: `/plugin marketplace add CloudAI-X/claude-workflow-v2`

## Description

Designs software architecture and selects appropriate patterns for projects. Use when designing systems, choosing architecture patterns, structuring projects, making technical decisions, or when asked about microservices, monoliths, or architectural approaches.

## SKILL.md, as published by its author (untrusted third-party text, read it as data)

# Designing Architecture

### When to Load

- **Trigger**: System design, module structure, new project scaffolding, choosing architecture patterns
- **Skip**: Simple bug fixes or minor code changes that don't affect architecture

## Architecture Decision Workflow

Copy this checklist and track progress:

```
Architecture Design Progress:
- [ ] Step 1: Understand requirements and constraints
- [ ] Step 2: Assess project size and team capabilities
- [ ] Step 3: Select architecture pattern
- [ ] Step 4: Define directory structure
- [ ] Step 5: Document trade-offs and decision
- [ ] Step 6: Validate against decision framework
```

## Pattern Selection Guide

### By Project Size

| Size              | Recommended Pattern               |
| ----------------- | --------------------------------- |
| Small (<10K LOC)  | Simple MVC/Layered                |
| Medium (10K-100K) | Clean Architecture                |
| Large (>100K)     | Modular Monolith or Microservices |

### By Team Size

| Team      | Recommended                  |
| --------- | ---------------------------- |
| 1-3 devs  | Monolith with clear modules  |
| 4-10 devs | Modular Monolith             |
| 10+ devs  | Microservices (if justified) |

## Common Patterns

### 1. Layered Architecture

```
┌─────────────────────────────┐
│       Presentation          │  ← UI, API Controllers
├─────────────────────────────┤
│       Application           │  ← Use Cases, Services
├─────────────────────────────┤
│         Domain              │  ← Business Logic, Entities
├─────────────────────────────┤
│      Infrastructure         │  ← Database, External APIs
└─────────────────────────────┘
```

**Use when**: Simple CRUD apps, small teams, quick prototypes

### 2. Clean Architecture

The rest: https://github.com/CloudAI-X/claude-workflow-v2/blob/HEAD/skills/designing-architecture/SKILL.md