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

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

The interior architect had to fill up the gas-powered 2026 Q5 before returning it, paying $108 to do so.

From MarketWatch • May 6, 2026

On a recent spring day, the sky bursting with blue, Kean and architect Hagy Belzberg gave a tour of the almost completed center.

From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2026

He has made a name for himself in Texas conservative circles as the architect behind the formation of a handful of small towns with austere — nearly nonexistent — local governments.

From Salon • May 3, 2026

Here’s where AIA contracts offer some protection, because they provide that contractors get paid in installments, after certain phases are completed and the architect signs off, Paioff said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 25, 2026

The architects respected him but were leery of his powers as supervising architect.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson

Related Words

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