GOTO - The Brightest Minds in Tech "Residues" & "The Architect’s Paradox" • Barry O'Reilly & Jacqui Read
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Aug 22, 2025 Barry O'Reilly, founder of Black Tulip Tech and author of "Residues" and "The Architect’s Paradox," joins software architect Jacqui Read to discuss innovative ideas in software architecture. They dive into the concept of residuality, where architects stress-test designs to uncover vulnerabilities, allowing for more robust systems. O'Reilly advocates for embracing uncertainty with playful and creative approaches to architectural challenges. Their conversation also highlights the importance of interdisciplinary learning and stakeholder engagement in tech.
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How Residues Was Written
- Barry couldn't explain how he did architecture until he reflected and taught others, which led to formalising his approach.
- A Lufthansa strike gave him time to condense his ideas into the Residues booklet that became the book.
Uncertainty Defines The Architect Role
- Architecture is primarily about coping with uncertainty rather than producing perfect specifications.
- Architects make decisions for an unknowable future and must be comfortable with being wrong.
Engineering Paradigm Hides Uncertainty
- Software inherited an 'engineering paradigm' that treats uncertainty as an enemy to be eliminated.
- Agile challenged processes but not the deeper conceptual philosophy shaping architecture thinking.
