This paper describes how the architecture for a high tech product was discovered by a project workgroup of diverse individuals who had little prior knowledge of systems engineering principles or methods. The resulting architecture clearly simplified both the product and the product realization activities. Although differing significantly from pre-project concepts, the architecture was understood and supported by all project members and by management and marketing. In a post-project satisfaction survey the client indicated that the architecture effort was worth the time and expense and saved them from several "bad ideas."