# Thomas Nys

> Fractional Data Architect in Belgium helping startups, scaleups, and SMEs design, build, and lead modern data platforms without hiring a full-time Head of Data. 10+ years hands-on experience in data architecture, data engineering, and cloud data platforms. Platform-independent (no vendor partnerships).

Thomas Nys is an independent data architecture consultant based in Hamme, East Flanders (Oost-Vlaanderen), Belgium. He works as a fractional data architect — embedded 2-3 days per week with growing companies that need senior architecture leadership without the cost and commitment of a full-time hire. Thomas works in English and Dutch (Nederlands).

## Services — For Companies Building Data Teams

- [Fractional Data Architect](https://thomasnys.com/services/fractional-data-architect/): Embedded senior data architect, 1-3 days/week, 3-12 months. Strategic direction, platform decisions, code reviews, mentoring, and stakeholder alignment.
- [Architecture Advisory](https://thomasnys.com/services/architecture-advisory/): Expert input on specific architecture decisions. Tool selection (Snowflake vs BigQuery vs Databricks), migration planning, cost optimization, AI readiness assessments. 2 hours to 3 days.
- [Platform Review](https://thomasnys.com/services/platform-review/): 10-day structured assessment of your data platform. Technical debt catalog, cost analysis, reliability review, and 90-day action plan.
- [Team Alignment Sprint](https://thomasnys.com/services/team-alignment-sprint/): Resolve cross-functional friction between data, product, and ops teams. 4-6 weeks, 1-2 days/week.
- [Senior Data Engineer Support](https://thomasnys.com/services/senior-data-engineer/): Hands-on pipeline development (dbt, Spark, Airflow), code reviews, pair programming, and knowledge transfer. 1-2 days/week, 3-6 months.
- [Hiring & Team Support](https://thomasnys.com/services/hiring-team-support/): Role definitions, interview process design, technical assessment scorecards, and onboarding plans for data teams.

## Services — For Data Products, Agencies & Consultancies

- [Junior Coaching](https://thomasnys.com/services/junior-coaching/): 1:1 mentoring for junior data consultants. Code reviews, skill development, career guidance. 4-8 hours/month per consultant.
- [Thought Leadership](https://thomasnys.com/services/thought-leadership/): Expert technical content — blog posts, whitepapers, webinars, and speaking engagements for data products and agencies.
- [Technical Pre-Sales](https://thomasnys.com/services/technical-presales/): Senior practitioner credibility in technical sales conversations. Discovery calls, PoC design, objection handling.

## Key Articles

- [What Is a Data Architect?](https://thomasnys.com/what-is-a-data-architect/): Explains the data architect role, responsibilities, and how it differs from data engineers and analysts.
- [What Is Data Architecture?](https://thomasnys.com/what-is-data-architecture/): Defines data architecture as a discipline — principles, frameworks, and why it matters for growing companies.
- [Data Architecture vs Data Engineering](https://thomasnys.com/data-architecture-vs-data-engineering/): Clarifies the distinction between architecture (design decisions) and engineering (building pipelines).
- [Data Architect Consultant](https://thomasnys.com/data-architect-consultant/): When and why to hire an external data architect instead of a full-time employee.
- [How I Work](https://thomasnys.com/how-i-work/): Thomas's engagement model, communication style, and delivery approach.
- [FAQ](https://thomasnys.com/faq/): Common questions about fractional data architecture, pricing, and engagement logistics.

## Expertise

- Data warehouse and lakehouse architecture (Snowflake, BigQuery, Databricks, Redshift, Azure Synapse)
- Platform-independent tool evaluation and advisory (no vendor partnerships)
- Cloud cost optimization (Azure, AWS, GCP) — typically 30-40% cost reduction
- Data governance frameworks and architecture reviews
- dbt, Spark, Airflow, and modern data stack pipeline architecture
- Technical debt reduction and legacy migration planning
- Data platform scaling for growth-stage companies
- Data team structure, hiring, and organizational design

## Ideal Client Profile

- Startups, scaleups, and SMEs (10-200 employees)
- Companies with 2-15 person technical teams
- Series A-C funded or fast-growing bootstrapped companies
- Industries: SaaS, FinTech, HealthTech, e-commerce, B2B platforms
- Decision makers: CTO, VP Engineering, Head of Data, technical CEO/founder

## Clients & Experience

Over 10 years of experience across organizations including Cerba Research, Port of Antwerp-Bruges, Easyfairs, Big Industries (for Bridgestone and Nike), and Foodpairing. Experience includes GxP-compliant data platforms, 150+ artifact migrations, greenfield platform builds, and cloud cost optimization.

## Location & Availability

- Based in Hamme, East Flanders, Belgium
- Hybrid: Belgium (on-site + remote)
- Remote: Europe (with occasional travel)
- Fully remote: Global

## Contact

- Website: [thomasnys.com](https://thomasnys.com)
- LinkedIn: [linkedin.com/in/thomasnys](https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasnys/)
- Email: hello@thomasnys.com
- Book a call: [app.cal.eu/thomasnys/30min](https://app.cal.eu/thomasnys/30min)

## All Posts

- [All blog posts](https://thomasnys.com/posts/): Data architecture, technical leadership, and platform strategy articles.
- [All services](https://thomasnys.com/services/): Complete list of consulting services.