Principal Solutions Architect | Data & AI Strategy | Enterprise Transformation
I'm a Principal Solutions Architect at Applied Curiosity with 25+ years of experience designing and implementing data and AI solutions for enterprise clients. I specialize in translating complex business challenges into scalable technical architectures that deliver measurable outcomes.
My work focuses on enterprise data modernization, AI implementation strategy, and building teams that can execute transformational technology initiatives. I hold AWS Solution Architect Associate and Databricks Data Engineer Associate certifications.
Solution Architecture & Strategy
- Enterprise data platform design and modernization
- Cloud architecture (AWS, Azure, Databricks)
- AI/ML system design and governance frameworks
- Digital transformation strategy and execution
Technical Leadership
- Cross-functional team leadership and capability building
- Architecture decision frameworks and documentation
- Technology vendor relationship management
- Risk assessment and mitigation planning
Business Alignment
- OKR-driven solution development
- Business case development and ROI analysis
- Stakeholder engagement and change management
- Value stream mapping and process optimization
AI-Augmented Productivity Systems: Researching and developing frameworks for scaling expert knowledge in professional services environments. This includes building systems that capture, organize, and reuse architectural decision-making patterns.
Enterprise AI Governance: Developing practical frameworks for responsible AI implementation in regulated industries, including government and healthcare sectors.
Solutions Architecture Practice Development: Creating methodologies and training programs for scaling architectural expertise across consulting organizations.
Government Data Modernization: Led comprehensive data system rebuilds for federal and state reporting requirements, improving query performance and regulatory compliance for large non-profit organizations.
Manufacturing IoT Implementation: Designed edge computing and data processing platforms for steel processing operations, enabling predictive maintenance through operational metrics analysis.
Enterprise Cloud Migration: Architected large-scale migration strategies for Fortune 500 companies, including technical assessments, risk mitigation, and phased implementation planning.
Throughout my career, I've worked across the full spectrum of enterprise technology:
- Current Stack: AWS, Azure, Databricks, Python, SQL, Terraform
- Data Platforms: Modern data warehouse design, data lake architectures, real-time streaming
- AI/ML: Model deployment pipelines, MLOps, responsible AI frameworks
- Integration: API design, event-driven architectures, legacy system modernization
- DevOps: Infrastructure as code, CI/CD pipelines, monitoring and observability
I regularly contribute to industry knowledge through case studies, architectural patterns, and research on scaling technical expertise. Current research focuses on AI-augmented productivity systems and knowledge scaling in expert-dependent organizations.
I believe effective solution architecture requires balancing technical excellence with business pragmatism. My approach prioritizes:
- Locality and Simplicity: Keeping solutions close to problems and architectures elegant
- Evidence-Based Decision Making: Using data and measurable outcomes to guide choices
- Psychological Safety: Creating environments where teams can innovate and truth-tell
- Continuous Improvement: Systematic refinement of methods and outcomes
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/shawn-deggans
- Professional Email: Available through Applied Curiosity
- Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Available for architectural reviews, strategic consulting engagements, and collaboration on complex data and AI initiatives.