ARCHITECT, one who, skilled in the art of architecture (q.v.), designs buildings, determining the disposition of both their interior spaces and exterior masses, together with the structural embellishments of each, and generally supervises their erection. Formerly, the architect was often active in all phases of erecting a building, from the project to the various details of construction, To-day, with the growing tendency toward specialization and the increasing size of buildings, his designs are executed by various agencies—engineers, contractors, manufacturers, machines, etc.— and his success, to a large extent, depends on the proper co ordination of these elements. For a discussion of the architect's problems and methods see ARCHITECTURE; for a treatment of his training see ARCHITECTURAL EDUCATION.
Naval architect, one who designs ships and supervises their construction.