Together, 建筑 (jiànzhù) forms the word for “architecture” or “construction.” Adding the suffix 师 (shī) specifies that the person is a “master” or “expert” in the field of architecture.
In modern China, the 建筑师 (jiànzhùshī) is a figure of immense importance, directly linked to the country's staggering pace of urbanization and modernization over the past few decades. Architects are seen as the visionaries shaping the skylines of megacities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Shenzhen. Unlike in the West where “architect” can sometimes evoke the image of a lone artistic genius, the role of a 建筑师 in China is often seen as more integrated with large-scale development, state projects, and engineering. The term carries a strong weight of technical proficiency and pragmatism. While a famous architect might be celebrated for their artistic vision, the fundamental expectation is that they are a highly skilled professional capable of executing massive, complex projects. This modern, professional role contrasts with the traditional “master builder” or 工匠 (gōngjiàng), who relied on passed-down knowledge and craftsmanship. The contemporary 建筑师 navigates a world of global architectural trends, advanced software, and the unique challenge of blending hyper-modernity with traditional Chinese aesthetic principles.
建筑师 (jiànzhùshī) is a formal and respectful term. It is the correct word to use in almost any context when referring to the profession.