What Does An Architect Do? An architect is a trained and licensed professional with expertise in space planning and building design. To design a building, many elements must be considered such as planned building function, behavior of occupants, space use, building materials, site-environment, structural, mechanical and electrical systems, life safety and fire codes, bidding and construction methods, budget requirements and aesthetics. The Architect’s skill is to sort through the many requirements and potential solutions to find options that best address the client’s needs.