architect

/architect — Architecture & Technology Decisions

Design system architecture, evaluate technology options, and make informed stack decisions. Quick comparisons inline; full designs via agent.

Step 0 — Parse Arguments

From the invocation args, extract:

• question: The architecture question or design request
• scope: "compare" (A vs B), "design" (full architecture), or "evaluate" (tech research)
• context: Project constraints, existing stack, team preferences

Step 1 — Triage

Fast path (inline comparison):

• Quick "X or Y?" technology comparison
• Single architecture question with clear constraints
• Proceed to Step 2a

Agent path (full design):

• Comprehensive system design request
• Multi-component architecture
• Technology evaluation requiring deep research
• Proceed to Step 2b

Step 2a — Inline Comparison

1. Scan the existing codebase for current patterns:
   • Package.json / requirements.txt for dependencies
   • Existing frameworks and conventions
   • Project structure and module organization
2. Present a structured comparison:

## [Option A] vs [Option B]

| Criterion        | Option A | Option B |
|-----------------|----------|----------|
| Fits existing stack | ... | ... |
| Learning curve   | ... | ... |
| Performance      | ... | ... |
| Maintenance      | ... | ... |

**Recommendation**: [choice] because [reason tied to project context]

After building the comparison table, present the recommendation using AskUserQuestion with markdown previews so the user can visually compare options:

AskUserQuestion({
  questions: [{
    question: "Which option fits your project best?",
    header: "Architecture",
    options: [
      {
        label: "[Option A] (Recommended)",
        description: "[1-line rationale tied to project context]",
        markdown: "[Full comparison table for Option A:\n| Criterion | Rating |\n|---|---|\n| Fits stack | ... |\n| Performance | ... |]"
      },
      {
        label: "[Option B]",
        description: "[1-line rationale]",
        markdown: "[Full comparison table for Option B]"
      }
    ],
    multiSelect: false
  }]
})

This enables side-by-side comparison in the Claude Code UI when the user focuses each option.

Step 2b — Agent Dispatch

Use the Agent tool:
  subagent_type: "system-architect"
  prompt: "Design architecture for: [question].
           Existing codebase context: [patterns found].
           Constraints: [context].
           Provide implementation blueprint with specific files, components, and data flows."

The system-architect agent may internally spawn recommend-tech for technology evaluation.

Step 3 — Post-Processing

After design completes:

• Summarize key decisions and rationale
• List files that would be created/modified
• Suggest next step: superpowers:writing-plans to break down, then superpowers:executing-plans to implement