kavandaja

Kavandaja is an Estonian noun derived from the verb "kavandama" (to plan or to design) and typically denotes a person who designs, plans, or drafts concepts for practical or artistic projects. In English it is most often translated as "designer" or "planner." The term is used across multiple fields including architecture, industrial and product design, graphic design, fashion, urban planning, and software or systems design.

As a professional designation, kavandaja refers to someone responsible for developing initial concepts, creating drawings or models, and translating requirements into workable plans. Tasks associated with the role can include research, conceptual sketching, technical drawing, prototyping, collaboration with stakeholders, and preparing documentation that supports implementation. The specific skills expected of a kavandaja vary by discipline but commonly include creativity, spatial thinking, technical knowledge, and communication skills.

In broader usage, kavandaja can describe either formal occupational roles or informal creative contributors involved in planning stages of a project. Related Estonian terms include "kavandamine" (the act of planning/designing) and "kava" (a plan or program). The word reflects a focus on the preparatory and conceptual phases of design work, distinguishing the kavandaja from specialists who handle final production, construction, or execution.