architectes

An architect is a professional trained in the planning, design, and oversight of building projects. Architects seek to reconcile client needs with functional requirements, safety codes, environmental considerations, and aesthetic goals.

Education and licensure vary by country. Most jurisdictions require an accredited degree in architecture, a period of practical training, and a licensing examination or registration with a professional body. In French-speaking regions the term architecte is used, and licensure is governed by national or regional orders such as the Ordre des Architectes.

Practice and tasks include site analysis, concept design, development of schematic and construction documents, coordination with engineers and consultants, preparation of drawings and specifications, bidding, and construction administration. Architects increasingly use building information modeling (BIM) and other digital tools to coordinate complex projects.

History and scope: The role evolved from craft-based builders in ancient and medieval times to a distinct profession in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today architecture encompasses urban design, sustainability, heritage preservation, and technology-enabled fabrication.

Ethics and professional responsibility: Architects have duties to public safety, welfare, and accessibility, as well as to clients and communities. Professional bodies establish codes of conduct and continuing education to maintain standards.

Notable practitioners such as Le Corbusier, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Norman Foster illustrate the range of architectural approaches, from modernist to high-tech design.