Practice / Licensed design professional
Architect
/ˈɑːr.kɪ.tɛkt/noun
From Greek arkhitektōn, “master builder,” from arkhi-, “chief,” and tektōn, “builder.”
Definition
A licensed professional who designs buildings and guides them from first concept to completion, balancing use, beauty, safety, and how the building will be built.
Fig. 78 — Architect: schematic studyNOT TO SCALE
Illustrative study — Architect · AI-generatedSAMPLE IMAGE
Photo study — Architect · AI-generated00:06
Structural & construction notes
Architects usually lead the design team, coordinating structural and building-services engineers, and prepare the drawings and specifications used for permits and construction. Becoming licensed typically requires an accredited degree, supervised experience, and examinations; rules vary by country and state.
An educational reference. Project-specific design requires professional guidance.