Professional Architecture

Professional Architecture

System Overview

17 years of evolution from writing code to writing about code. Each role built on the previous, creating a unique combination of skills that makes me effective as a technical writer.

Career progression:
Web Developer → Technical Lead → Technical Director → Solutions Architect → Technical Writer → Documentation Engineer

Evolution History

v1.0: Web Developer (2007-2012)

Core competencies developed:

  • PHP, JavaScript, HTML/CSS
  • Database design and optimization
  • E-commerce platforms (Magento, custom builds)
  • Client communication and requirements gathering

Key learning: Understanding how developers think and what they need to be successful.


v1.5: Technical Lead (2012-2015)

Core competencies developed:

  • Team leadership and mentoring
  • Code review and quality standards
  • Project planning and delivery
  • Technical decision-making

Key learning: How to communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.


v2.0: Technical Director (2015-2018)

Core competencies developed:

  • System architecture design
  • DevOps and CI/CD pipelines
  • Performance optimization
  • Business strategy and technical roadmapping

Key learning: Seeing the bigger picture beyond just code.


v2.5: Solutions Architect & Consultant (2018-2022)

Core competencies developed:

  • Enterprise integrations
  • Payment systems (Stripe, PayPal, custom)
  • API design and documentation
  • Client advisory and problem-solving

Key learning: How to quickly understand complex systems and explain them clearly.


v3.0: Technical Writer (2022-2023)

Company: Starknet Foundation
Scope: Sole owner of all developer documentation for Ethereum Layer 2 protocol

What I built:

  • Complete documentation suite for zero-knowledge proof system
  • Cairo smart contract language guides
  • Integration tutorials for dApp developers
  • API reference documentation
  • Collaboration framework with cryptographers and protocol engineers

Key learning: The power of excellent documentation to accelerate developer adoption.

Why the transition?

After 15 years of building systems, I discovered I loved the challenge of explaining complex technical concepts more than building the systems themselves. Documentation engineering combines both—writing clarity with technical infrastructure.


v3.5: Independent Technical Writer (2023-Present)

Focus: Documentation consulting with emphasis on Web3, SaaS, and technical infrastructure

Specializations:

  • Blockchain protocols and smart contracts
  • API documentation
  • Developer experience optimization
  • Documentation infrastructure (Docusaurus, Nextra, custom tooling)

Technical Stack Evolution

Development era:

  • Languages: PHP, JavaScript, Python, Node.js
  • Frameworks: React, Next.js, Laravel, Express
  • Infrastructure: AWS, Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD
  • Databases: MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Redis

Documentation era:

  • Platforms: Docusaurus, Nextra, GitBook, AsciiDoc
  • Languages: Markdown, MDX, reStructuredText, AsciiDoc
  • Tools: Git, GitHub Actions, Vale, markdownlint
  • Technologies documented: Solidity, Cairo, Rust, zkSNARKs/STARKs, Layer 2 protocols

Migration Path

This architecture makes me uniquely effective because I can:

  1. Understand your codebase without extensive hand-holding
  2. Build documentation infrastructure not just write content
  3. Debug technical issues in the docs deployment pipeline
  4. Collaborate effectively with senior engineers and cryptographers
  5. Think systematically about documentation as product