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

The Sagrada Família is the magnum opus of the brilliant Catalan architect and designer Antoni Gaudí, who died 100 years ago and whose sinuous and eccentric buildings are synonymous with Barcelona.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 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

He is often described as an architect of the "total peace" strategy of President Petro, Colombia first left-wing president, which prioritises dialogue and negotiations with armed groups during ceasefires, over military intervention.

From BBC • May 31, 2026

That his best friend was a woman, an architect with a long straight weave who wore high heels and tight jeans and colored contact lenses, said something about Blaine that Ifemelu liked.

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Related Words

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