Published: 17.10.2026
The .archi zone is a generic extension whose name is a short form of the word architecture. It is used by architects, architecture studios, interior designers and students who want an address that shows their field at a glance. Because the word is widely understood among design professionals, a name in this zone often suits a portfolio or a practice website. Use the availability form just below this text to see whether your name in .archi is still available.
Check if a .archi domain is available .archi Check
A short history
The .archi extension was added among the generic endings created in later rounds of expansion. Architects were among the groups that took it up, because a short ending that reflects the profession fits well on drawings, competition entries and business cards. Many practices still use a personal or studio name, so the zone works best as a clear professional address rather than as the only sign of quality.
Who runs it
A registry operator runs the zone, keeps the database of names and sets the registration policy. Accredited registrars sell names to customers and forward orders to the registry. The operator's current terms describe the rules for holders, so read them before you order rather than relying on a summary written for another zone.
Rules in practice
- Holder terms: check the current policy for any requirements on holders, since they can differ between zones.
- Contact details: the registrant data should stay accurate, and the registrar can ask for confirmation.
- Characters: letters, digits and hyphens, up to 63 characters per label.
- Renewal: keep the expiry date on your calendar and enable auto-renewal if your registrar offers it.
Who uses .archi
- Architects and architecture studios that present projects, plans and awards.
- Interior designers and landscape architects who show their completed work.
- Architecture schools, students and portfolio reviewers who share design work.
- Construction consultants and building engineers who work alongside architects.
Strengths
- The short ending tells clients and collaborators at once that the site is about architecture and design.
- A studio name followed by the zone is easy to remember and fits well on drawings and tender documents.
- The zone is generic, so a practice that works across borders is not tied to one country.
Things to keep in mind
- Clients may type .com first, so decide early whether you need that address as well.
- Architectural work is regulated and licensed in many places, so check the rules on titles and advertising where you practise.
- Image-heavy portfolios need fast hosting and well-compressed pictures to load quickly.
- Many practices use similar words, so a distinctive studio name often stands out better than the bare word.
Tips before you register
- Search the name in .com and on the professional directories where your practice is already listed.
- Match the domain to the studio name on your contracts, tender submissions and invoices.
- Publish a project list, a team page and a clear statement of your professional credentials.
- Set up mail authentication records before you send proposals or invoices from the domain.
- Keep the registrar account secure with two-factor login, and make sure a second partner can access it.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an architecture licence to use .archi? A domain name is not a licence, and the rules on who may call themselves an architect depend on where you practise. Check the local rules and show your real credentials on the site.
Is .archi only for large architecture firms? No. Sole practitioners, students and interior designers use it too, and a clear portfolio matters more than the size of the office.
Does a .archi name help a portfolio appear in search? It shows the subject clearly, but strong project descriptions, good images and genuine client references matter more.
