The Architect

Strategically-minded, Architects can come across as unromantic — their penchant for planning and organization means they often approach romantic love as another goal or task. For this reason, it can be hard for them to find romantic love in unexpected places. INTJs can be highly selective, and apply the same high standards onto their partners that they do to themselves. That said, once an Architect finds a compatible partner, they're incredibly dedicated: they understand the importance of devoting time and effort into building and maintaining the relationship. Not one for sentimentality or romanticism, they may come across as too analytical for some partners. But as a type that cares about honesty, intelligence, and personal growth, they can also be supportive partners who rarely play games or deceive others. Rather, they exhibit an authentic seriousness toward their relationships, and work hard—as in all areas of their life—to ensure its success.

Architects have incredibly high standards for themselves; they like to set difficult goals and then meet them through well thought-out, achievable plans. This makes them excellent employees, as they can be counted on to hit their targets and finish their task lists.

That said, the Architect does their best work solo — perhaps because of their overachieving nature, they appreciate the freedom to work independently. Their superior intellect means they work decisively and with confidence; this may make them adverse to working on teams with others that do not share these qualities. Architects do their best work when they're invested: managers would be wise to give them challenging, complex projects over menial tasks. Often, they find success in science, medicine, law, or finance; they flourish in environments where there is a merit-based ladder to climb and where they can demonstrate their hard work and skill.

INTJs are confident and self-assured about their own intellectual capabilities — and they have good reason to be. But at times, this confidence can come across as arrogance, and rub those around them the wrong way. As a type that strongly favors rationality above emotion, they can be perceived as harsh or unsentimental. Architects can stand to practice patience with those who they deem less capable or too emotional.

Unhealthy Adaptations

• Being overly critical or impatient with those who work to a different standard or at a different pace
• Becoming combative when they do not understand the cause of a rule, behavior, or process
• Caring so much about success metrics that they forget to rest, listen to their emotions, or remain empathetic when faced with a challenge or obstacle
• Failing to notice or listen to others' emotions in a relationship because they seem irrational

INTJs make for surprisingly successful leaders—their level-headedness, rational thinking, and overall competence all lend to their leadership skills. As a type that avoids chit-chat, needless team-building activities, and busy work, Architects understand how to properly delegate work to their reports and promote the same diligence and dedication that they themselves model.

Rather than micromanaging their teams, INTJs tend to be macro-managers, encouraging their colleagues to reach their goals while steering the overall direction and strategy for their departments. They appreciate and reward critical thinking skills, and at times have limited patience for laziness or procrastination. As such, Architects are best when leading teams of individuals who are comfortable working hard and independently.

Learning and improving brings the INTJ joy — they're happiest when they're adequately challenged and putting their great minds to use. Mental stimulation, independence, and feeling capable all keep INTJs going. As such, they thrive when they're in environments where they can set and subsequently accomplish their goals. Feeling successful and accomplished brings joy to the Architect; they also enjoy connecting with like-minded minds who can keep pace with their witticisms and smarts.

Healthy Adaptations

• Spending time with individuals who appreciate intellectual banter, debate, and stimulating conversation
• Setting long-term, achievable goals with clear plans for how to accomplish them
• Being dedicated to work and hobbies without becoming obsessive over success metrics or becoming overly competitive
• Finding environments with opportunity for growth where they can continuously learn and acquire new skills and credentials

INTJs are headstrong, determined, and highly organized — traits that make them excellent at solving problems. They're dedicated and able to work toward the bigger picture, making them great long-term visionaries. Architects' planning skills, willingness to devote time to the mastery of a topic or skill, and their abilities to understand complex theories and ideas make them highly capable at accomplishing difficult challenges and bringing their dreams to fruition. Rational, no nonsense, and incredibly intellectual, INTJs value truthfulness, practicality, and assertiveness.

• Coming up with long-term strategies alongside actionable plans to bring them to life
• Applying themselves to learning a new skill or complex theory, no matter how complex
• Learning and being able to converse about difficult, complex topics
• Applying their intellect to understanding and mastering mechanical systems
• Being truthful, direct, and authentic friends who put effort into maintaining important relationships