What does a Solution Architect do?

A question asked by many and not always in jest! The Solution Architect role is broad and not restricted to just the technical aspects of a project. There is a

Technical designs - Produce high and mid level solution documentation
Governance approval - Gain technology organisational approval for designs
Design leadership - Coordinate efforts with other technology roles
Options appraisals - Logically and concisely define problem statements, solution options and recommendations
Roadmaps - Define the interim steps required to achieve a target objective
Solution assurance - Ensure designs meet defined targets in areas including performance, scalability, reliability
Enterprise Architecture - Contributing to moving the organisation towards defined E.A. goals
Problem resolution - Leading and coordinating the efforts of multiple individuals/teams in order to reach a desired outcome
Resource planning / estimation - Project funding estimations, technical resource profiles etc.
Best practice - Offer leadership on industry and organisational best practice relating to solution implementation. Relevant frameworks and technology selection.
Senior stakeholder summaries - Create and present information to project stakeholders, both technical and business.
Mentoring - Advancing the knowledge of junior and peer team members
Peer design review - Reviewing and contributing to designs from fellow team members