Architect

An architect is trained and licenced in planning and designing buildings, and participates in supervising the construction of a building. Etymologically, architect derives from the Latin architectus, itself derived from the Greek arkhitekton (arkhi, chief + tekton, builder), i.e. chief builder. A looser usage of Architect is: the translator of the building user's requirements of and from a building into an inhabitable environment. Moreover, the words architect and architecture are used in the disciplines of engineering, e.g computer software architect; however, in some of the world's jurisdictions, the professional and commercial uses of these etymologic variants, are legally protected from such loose denotations.

An architect must understand the building and operational codes to which the design must conform, to not omit any requirement, produce improper, conflicting, ambiguous, or confusing requirements. Architects must understand the construction methods available to the builder in constructing the client's building and structures, in order to negotiate with the client in producing the best possible building via a compromise between the desired results with the actual costs and construction schedule limits.

Architecture is a business, wherein, technical knowledge, management, and an understanding of business are as important as design. An architect accepts a commission from a client. The commission might involve preparing feasibility reports, building audits, the design of a building or of several buildings, structures, and the spaces among them. The architect participates in developing the requirements the client wants in the building.

Throughout the project (planning to occupancy), the architect co-ordinates a design team. Structural, mechanical, and electrical engineers and other specialists, are hired by the client and the architect, who must ensure that the work is co-ordinated to construct the design. Work time is a standard work week, but, when working to deadline, the architect works as needed. Architects are office-based professionals, but the work includes visiting clients and job sites.