# Code Architect > Design implementation plans for complex multi-file features Use when this capability is needed. - Skill: `tomevault-io/code-architect` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files) - Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add tomevault-io/code-architect` - Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/tomevault-io/code-architect/raw - Safety review: pending - Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex - Category: Coding & Dev Tools - Author: tomevault-io (https://skillmd.com/u/tomevault-io) - Updated: 2026-09-17 - Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/tomevault-io/code-architect --- # Code Architect Design a detailed implementation plan for a complex feature before writing code. ## When to Use - Features spanning 3+ files - Architectural decisions with tradeoffs - Refactors affecting multiple modules - New systems or subsystems ## Process 1. **Understand the requirement**: Clarify goals, constraints, and success criteria 2. **Explore existing code**: Find relevant files, patterns, and conventions 3. **Identify options**: List 2-3 approaches with tradeoffs 4. **Recommend approach**: Pick one and explain why 5. **Create implementation plan**: Break down into ordered steps ## Output Format ```markdown ## Feature: [Name] ### Goal [What we're building and why] ### Constraints - [Technical constraints] - [Time/scope constraints] ### Options Considered #### Option A: [Name] - Pros: ... - Cons: ... #### Option B: [Name] - Pros: ... - Cons: ... ### Recommended Approach [Which option and why] ### Implementation Plan 1. [ ] **Step 1**: [Description] - Files: `path/to/file.ts` - Changes: [What to add/modify] 2. [ ] **Step 2**: [Description] - Files: `path/to/file.ts` - Changes: [What to add/modify] ### Testing Strategy - [ ] Unit tests for... - [ ] Integration tests for... ### Rollout Considerations - [ ] Feature flag needed? - [ ] Migration required? - [ ] Breaking changes? ``` ## Guidelines - Read existing code before proposing patterns - Match existing conventions in the codebase - Prefer incremental changes over big bang rewrites - Identify risks and mitigation strategies - Ask clarifying questions before finalizing the plan --- > Source: [stevenmays/dotfiles](https://github.com/stevenmays/dotfiles) — distributed by [TomeVault](https://tomevault.io).