architect

The word “architect” means a professional who designs buildings and oversees their construction. In plain terms, someone who designs buildings, or more broadly, the main person behind a plan or achievement.

“Architect” is pronounced AH-kih-tehkt (/ˈɑɹ.kɪˌtɛkt/ in IPA).

Here is “architect” used in a sentence: “The architect presented her plans for the new library.”

Words with a similar meaning to “architect” include architector.

“Architect” is a noun.

The word “architect” comes from Greek. From Greek arkhitekton, "master builder", from arkhi-, "chief", plus tekton, "builder".

“Architect” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Architect” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a professional who designs buildings and oversees their construction.

An architect designs buildings — their form, layout, and appearance — and oversees their construction, while an engineer on a building project (typically a structural or civil engineer) ensures the design will stand, calculating loads, materials, and systems. The two professions usually work together on large buildings.

Dictionaries traditionally treat architect as a noun, and careful writers prefer design, plan, or devise. The verb use, as in "to architect a system," is common in software and business jargon, but many style guides still advise against it in formal writing.

Architect is a specific professional title — in many countries a legally protected one — for someone qualified to design buildings and oversee their construction. Designer is a much broader word for anyone who plans how something will look or work, from graphics to furniture to interiors.