"Architect" is highly overloaded term. The only definition I personally find plausible is by Jonathan Alexander ("Codermetrics") "Architects Coders designate

"Architect" is highly overloaded term. The only definition I personally find plausible is by Jonathan Alexander ("Codermetrics") "Architects Coders designated as “architects” are usually the more experienced members of the team. Their assignments may differ from other coders, with a higher percentage of complex tasks, including design tasks. They may also be expected to spend more time guiding and assisting other team members, to ensure that the software is well-designed and high-quality." I think that I am architect-type programmer. I'm doing a lot of exploratory work but I'm not "sitting weeks without writing any code" - I'm writing prototypes. In my company the worst crap is born by our "thinkers". It is also well-specified crap.