architect

American  

[ahr-ki-tekt] / ˈɑr kɪˌtɛkt /

noun

1. a person who engages in the profession of architecture.

2. a person professionally engaged in the design of certain large constructions other than buildings and the like.

   landscape architect; naval architect.

3. the deviser, maker, or creator of anything.

   the architects of the Constitution of the United States.

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verb (used with object)

1. to plan, organize, or structure as an architect.

   The house is well architected.

architect British  

/ ˈɑːkɪˌtɛkt /

noun

1. a person qualified to design buildings and to superintend their erection

2. a person similarly qualified in another form of construction

   a naval architect

3. any planner or creator

   the architect of the expedition

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verb

1. (tr) to plan or create (something, esp a computer system)

Other Word Forms

• subarchitect noun
• unarchitected adjective

Etymology

Origin of architect

1555–65; < Latin architectus < Greek architéktōn, equivalent to Greek archi- archi- + tektōn builder, craftsman

Example Sentences

The swift action prompted Howard – the architect of the 1996 gun laws – to weigh in.

From BBC

Earlier this month, he even an off the initial architect, and odds are that will happen again.

From Salon

Gary cut his teeth in the 1970s and early ’80s working for Milken, the Wall Street titan widely recognized as the architect of the high-yield bond market.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Hong Kong-born architect Paul Chan opened the studio, Days of Being, this year as a place for visitors to rent and artists to have a place to create and recharge.

From Los Angeles Times

Its new building, which cost $160 million and was designed by Adjaye Associates, with Cooper Robertson as executive architect, opened Nov. 15.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• artist
• builder
• creator
• designer
• engineer
• inventor
• planner