A computer implemented method, a data processing system, and a computer program product are provided for designing an architectural solution. Functional requirements and nonfunctional requirements of the architectural solution are received. Responsive to receiving the functional requirements and nonfunctional requirements, first level outputs are produced. Further input is received through a guided questionnaire based on the first level outputs. Responsive to receiving the further input, a list of client specific components and subcomponents, a client specific solution reference architecture, and a set of reference links is produced.