The NFDI Overall Architecture Working Group aims to develop a shared vision and blueprint for a federated research data infrastructure across NFDI consortia. It addresses the fragmented current landscape by identifying common components and fostering cross-domain integration. The group’s objectives include defining a unifying vision, formulating a collaborative strategy, ensuring scalability and efficiency, engaging stakeholders to align needs and expectations, analyzing consortia-specific dynamics, and promoting inclusive and transparent governance. The work plan involves defining guiding principles, surveying existing architectures, aligning with global initiatives, and conducting gap analyses. Four main milestones outline the development and publication of architectural frameworks and blueprints. Close collaboration with national and international stakeholders will ensure alignment and long-term success.