建築士(けんちくし)

A compound of 建築(けんちく) (architecture/construction) and 士(し) (professional/qualified person). In Japan, 建築士(けんちくし) is a legally defined professional title governed by the Architects Act (建築士法(けんちくしほう)).

Japanese architect licenses are divided into three levels:

• 一級建築士(いっきゅうけんちくし): first-class architect (can design any building)
• 二級建築士(にきゅうけんちくし): second-class architect (limited to smaller structures)
• 木造建築士(もくぞうけんちくし): wooden structure architect (limited to wooden buildings)

The 一級建築士(いっきゅうけんちくし) exam is notoriously difficult, with a pass rate typically around 10%.

Common collocations

• 一級建築士(いっきゅうけんちくし): first-class architect
• 建築士(けんちくし)事務所(じむしょ): architectural firm
• 建築士(けんちくし)試験(しけん): architect licensing exam
• 建築士(けんちくし)に相談(そうだん)する: to consult an architect

Similar words

• 建築家(けんちくか): architect (more general, emphasizes the creative/artistic aspect)
• 設計士(せっけいし): designer/engineer (broader term)