# Data Lake Architecture Best Practices
A data lake is a centralized repository that allows you to store all your structured and unstructured data at any scale. This guide covers essential best practices for designing and implementing data lakes.
Layered Architecture
Organize your data lake into zones: – **Raw Zone**: Immutable source data – **Refined Zone**: Cleaned and validated data – **Curated Zone**: Business-ready datasets
Data Governance
Implement proper cataloging, lineage tracking, and access controls from day one.
Performance Optimization
Use partitioning, compression, and file formats like Parquet for optimal query performance.