The Architecture Development Method (ADM) The basic structure of the ADM consists of a number of phases, labelled A to H, that are iteratively cycled in a step-by-step process. This iterative process is important, not only repeating around the full cycle, but also between phases and within phases. As phases are undertaken and completed there is a strong emphasis on frequent validation of results against the original expectations and requirements. At the start of each full cycle of the ADM an institution should make careful decisions about the scope of the architectural work, the level of detail to be considered and the time horizons that are being taken into account. In this way, a process of architectural refnement can be implemented by repeated cycles of the phases A to H.