My approach to designing scalable software architectures involves a combination of modular design principles and strategic use of microservices. I prioritize decoupling components to ensure that each service can be scaled independently based on demand. This not only enhances performance but also simplifies maintenance and updates. Additionally, I leverage cloud-native technologies and containerization to facilitate horizontal scaling and ensure the architecture can adapt to varying workloads efficiently.

Ensuring alignment with business goals is paramount. I start by thoroughly understanding the company's objectives and constraints. This involves regular consultations with stakeholders to gather requirements and feedback. I then translate these into technical specifications, ensuring that the architecture supports key business functionalities and scalability needs. Continuous communication and iterative design adjustments help maintain this alignment throughout the project lifecycle.

Managing technical debt involves proactive planning and disciplined execution. I prioritize tasks based on their impact on system stability and performance, ensuring critical areas are addressed first. Regular code reviews and refactoring sessions help identify and rectify debt-inducing practices early. Additionally, I advocate for a culture of quality, encouraging the team to invest in well-designed, maintainable code rather than quick fixes.

Integrating new technologies requires a careful assessment of both the benefits and risks. I begin by evaluating how the new technology aligns with current system needs and future scalability requirements. Proof-of-concept projects are often used to test feasibility and performance. Once validated, I plan the integration in phases, ensuring minimal disruption to existing services. Continuous monitoring and feedback loops are essential to adapt and optimize the integration process.

One challenging problem I faced was designing a system to handle a sudden surge in user traffic without downtime. I implemented a load-balancing strategy using a combination of hardware and software solutions to distribute traffic evenly across servers. Additionally, I introduced auto-scaling capabilities to dynamically adjust server resources based on real-time traffic patterns. This approach not only resolved the immediate issue but also enhanced the system's resilience and scalability for future growth.