Architect

Design before implementing. Sketch types, function signatures, class shapes, and module boundaries with not implemented bodies and pseudocode. Synthesize across multiple model perspectives, then fill in code against the chosen sketch. If implementation proves the sketch wrong, throw it out and redesign.

Dispatch contract. Architect's Arena uses the centralized provider routing in provider-dispatch.md. Configured entries are descriptors, not native model slugs. On Codex, resolve remaining Claude tool names via codex-tools.md.

Start

Open a todolist with one entry per phase before starting. Autonomous mode without checkpoints needs the list to show phase position and keep phases from silently disappearing.

1. Ground
2. Sketch
3. Agree
4. Implement
5. Scrap

Phase A: Ground the problem

Build a real mental model of every system the new code touches. Run the how skill over the relevant subsystems. Critique mode if existing structure is the constraint or the design must push back on it.