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

Derived Forms

• unarchitected
  adjective
• subarchitect
  noun

Etymology

Origin of architect

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

Explanation

A person who designs buildings is an architect. If you become an architect, you'll be responsible for drawing the blueprints, planning the work, and sometimes even overseeing the construction of a building. Frank Lloyd Wright was a famous architect who helped complete over 500 projects in his lifetime, including private homes, skyscrapers, museums, churches, and schools. Architects work on buildings of all types, and the Greek root arkhitektōn literally means “chief builder.” An architect can construct other things too, like the architects who design a video game, or the architect of your misfortune who dumped green slime on your head at a school dance.

Example Sentences

Faena recalled that when he was developing his Buenos Aires hotel, which is inside a building designed by the French architect Philippe Starck, he sent Starck pictures of his Uruguayan paradise.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

Born in Rosario, Argentina, Bielsa hails from a family of educated minds, with his brother having worked in politics and his sister a renowned architect.

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026

"He's a bit of a frustrated architect, and so he had a lot to say about the way the building was designed," she said.

From Barron's • Jun. 4, 2026

That home, which was built by architect Rex Lotery in 1965, was snapped up for $9 million just a few months before he sold his original dwelling.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 2, 2026

Masterji Thakur took a deep breath and squeezed his throat before shouting, “The original architect of the Arcanum was a Conjuror.”

From "The Marvellers" by Dhonielle Clayton

Related Words

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