Steps to Create True Software Architecure

Conceptualization
In order to achieve the final objective, a system must acquire specific attributes. Such attributes are called System Quality Attributes..
The system cannot acquire them just by itself or by someone’s wish. System Quality Attributes must be planned. They must be designed in. The quality itself must be included as well.
All architecture is comprised of three elements: functionality (utilitas), structure (firmitas), and concept (venustas).
System Metaphor
Architecture and design are abstractions until they are expressed in specific artifacts: design specifications and maquettes. A System Metaphor and Concept bring all elements (System Quality Attributes) together..
A system metaphor is a story that everyone - clients, programmers, and managers - can tell about how the system works.
A concept is a semantic unity that every element – controls, pages and forms, classes and objects, modules and components, processes and applications – inherits when it is defined and implemented.
Prototyping
Prototyping consists of several activities to produce architectural documents and artifacts. One of the first steps is creating an architectural "sketch" - an initial image of a system's look (external structure). The external structure will then accommodate system components. After elements are defined, a maquette is created depicting the system's external structure.
Physical design consists of the maquette embodied into a structure simulating real-life system. This is a system prototype.