'architectress' originates from English, formed by adding the feminine suffix '-ess' to 'architect', where the suffix '-ess' (via Old French '-esse') marked female gender.

'architectress' developed in English by combining 'architect' with the feminine suffix '-ess' (a pattern seen in Middle English influenced by Old French), producing a feminine form analogous to words like 'actress' and 'waitress'.

Initially it straightforwardly meant 'female architect', but over time the term became dated/archaic as gender-specific job titles fell out of favor; today 'architect' is normally used regardless of gender.