Architect

Design before implementing. Sketch types, function signatures, class shapes, and module boundaries with not implemented bodies. Synthesize across parallel candidates, then fill in code against the chosen sketch.

Companion to codebase-design, which owns deep-module vocabulary. This skill owns the pre-implementation sketch loop.

Authorized Scope

Apply this engine only within the user's requested task and existing explicit authorization. Loading or delegating to it grants no additional authority. Preserve report-only restrictions and the caller's target, host, provider, and cost limits. Existing approval satisfies a gate only for the same actions and scope; obtain approval before expanding them. Forward these limits to delegates.

Contract

Inputs:

• A change that crosses a function boundary, or non-trivial work whose shape is still unset

Outputs:

• A synthesized design package: caller usage first, then types, signatures, module map, and rationale
• Implementation against that sketch, or a scrap-and-redesign

Creates/Modifies:

• Design artifacts and, after agree, production code

External Side Effects:

• None beyond local files unless a later playbook opens a PR

Confirmation Required:

• Opt-in checkpoint when the invoker asks to see the sketch first

Delegates To:

• how for grounding, why when ownership or layering is the constraint, arena for candidate sketches, interrogate when the design is contested

Phases

Open a todo list with one entry per phase: Ground, Sketch, Agree, Implement, Scrap.

A. Ground

Run how over every system the new code touches. If the design redefines ownership or layering, also run why on the existing shape. Skip only when the work is genuinely greenfield.

B. Sketch

Run arena with the design-sketch task. Each candidate produces a package shaped per references/rationale-template.md using references/runner-prompt.md.

Require at least two structurally distinct candidates. Screen every candidate against references/design-red-flags.md. Prefer the design that hides more complexity behind a smaller public surface.

C. Agree

Default: proceed to implementation. Opt in to a checkpoint when the invoker asks to see the sketch first. Human pushback is Phase A evidence. Re-ground and re-run Phase B.

D. Implement

Replace not implemented bodies. Deviations from the sketch are signal. Surface them. Do not bolt them on silently.

E. Scrap

If implementation keeps producing the same shape of friction, throw the sketch out. Re-run how over what was built. Redesign as if the new constraints were day-one assumptions. Subtract before adding. Return to Phase B.

Architect procedure

Read architect procedure when running this workflow. Apply the authorized scope and mode of this entry point to every step. Resolve other skills through this distribution’s active catalog; resolve resources relative to the installed skill directory.