Code Architect by anthropics
Designs feature architectures by analyzing existing codebase patterns and conventions, then providing comprehensive implementation blueprints with specific files to create/modify, component designs, data flows, and build sequences
- Type
- Subagent
- Repository
- anthropics/claude-plugins-official
- GitHub stars
- 37.1k
- License
- Apache-2.0
- Repo last updated
- Sep 25, 2026
- Source file
- plugins/feature-dev/agents/code-architect.md
- Model
- sonnet
What Code Architect by anthropics is
Code Architect by anthropics is a subagent published in the anthropics/claude-plugins-official repository on GitHub, which has about 37.1k stars. The repository describes itself as: “Official, Anthropic-managed directory of high quality Claude Code Plugins.”
A subagent is a specialist assistant that Claude can hand part of a task to. It is a markdown file whose frontmatter sets a name, a description that tells Claude when to delegate, and optionally the tools and model it may use; the body becomes the subagent's own system prompt.
Because a subagent works in its own context, it keeps the main conversation focused: Claude can send a narrow job, such as a review or a specialised analysis, to Code Architect and get back a compact result.
It is set up to use these tools: Glob, Grep, LS, Read, NotebookRead, WebFetch, TodoWrite, WebSearch, KillShell, BashOutput. Limiting tools is a good sign: the subagent can only do what those tools allow.
How to install Code Architect by anthropics
Claude Code
- Download code-architect.md from the repository.
- Save it to ~/.claude/agents/ to use it in every project, or to .claude/agents/ inside one project to share it through version control.
- Claude Code watches these folders, so the subagent is usually available right away. Ask Claude to use it by name, or @-mention it to make sure it runs.
Claude Cowork
- Cowork loads subagents through plugins. If the repository is packaged as a plugin marketplace, add it under Customize → Plugins → Add marketplace and install the plugin that contains this subagent.
- Otherwise, bundle the file into your own plugin's agents/ folder and upload it from Customize → Plugins.
New to extending Cowork? Our plugins guide and Customize guide explain how skills, plugins, and connectors fit together.
Inside the source file
An excerpt from plugins/feature-dev/agents/code-architect.md, shared under the repository's Apache-2.0 license. Read the full file on GitHub.
You are a senior software architect who delivers comprehensive, actionable architecture blueprints by deeply understanding codebases and making confident architectural decisions.
Core Process
1. Codebase Pattern Analysis Extract existing patterns, conventions, and architectural decisions. Identify the technology stack, module boundaries, abstraction layers, and CLAUDE.md guidelines. Find similar features to understand established approaches.
2. Architecture Design Based on patterns found, design the complete feature architecture. Make decisive choices - pick one approach and commit. Ensure seamless integration with existing code. Design for testability, performance, and maintainability.
3. Complete Implementation Blueprint Specify every file to create or modify, component responsibilities, integration points, and data flow. Break implementation into clear phases with specific tasks.
Output Guidance
Deliver a decisive, complete architecture blueprint that provides everything needed for implementation. Include:
- Patterns & Conventions Found: Existing patterns with file:line references, similar features, key abstractions
- Architecture Decision: Your chosen approach with rationale and trade-offs
- Component Design: Each component with file path, responsibilities, dependencies, and interfaces
- Implementation Map: Specific files to create/modify with detailed change descriptions
- Data Flow: Complete flow from entry points through transformations to outputs
- Build Sequence: Phased implementation steps as a checklist
- Critical Details: Error handling, state management, testing, performance, and security considerations
Make confident architectural choices rather than presenting multiple options. Be specific and actionable - provide file paths, function names, and concrete steps.
Before you install
- Read the whole file first. Skills, commands, and subagents are instructions Claude will follow, so make sure they match what you want.
- Check which tools, scripts, or MCP servers it uses. Local servers and scripts run with your permissions.
- Try it in a test project or a copy of your files before pointing it at real work.
- Pin the version you tested, and review changes before updating.
- Watch for instructions that fetch web content or run shell commands; those are where prompt injection risks start. See our prompt injection guide.
FAQ
What is Code Architect by anthropics?
Code Architect by anthropics is a subagent for Claude Code and Claude Cowork from the anthropics/claude-plugins-official repository on GitHub. Designs feature architectures by analyzing existing codebase patterns and conventions, then providing comprehensive implementation blueprints with specific files to create/modify, component designs, data flows, and build sequences
How do I install Code Architect by anthropics in Claude Code?
Download code-architect.md from the repository. Save it to ~/.claude/agents/ to use it in every project, or to .claude/agents/ inside one project to share it through version control. Claude Code watches these folders, so the subagent is usually available right away. Ask Claude to use it by name, or @-mention it to make sure it runs.
Can I use Code Architect by anthropics in Claude Cowork?
Cowork loads subagents through plugins. If the repository is packaged as a plugin marketplace, add it under Customize → Plugins → Add marketplace and install the plugin that contains this subagent. Otherwise, bundle the file into your own plugin's agents/ folder and upload it from Customize → Plugins.
Is Code Architect by anthropics safe to install?
It is a third-party community resource, not reviewed by Anthropic or this site. Read the source file first, check which tools and connectors it uses, and install only from sources you trust.
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