The Greek compound noun architektōn combines archē (chief, master) and tektōn (craftsman, builder — the same word used for Joseph and Jesus's trade), meaning 'chief craftsman,' 'master builder,' or 'architect.' Paul uses this term once to describe his own role as the founding apostle of the Corinthian church.
In 1 Corinthians 3:10, Paul's self-description as 'a wise master builder' (sophos architektōn) is both humble and authoritative: he laid the foundation in Corinth — 'Jesus Christ' himself (3:11) — and now others build upon it. The image of divine construction runs through the entire passage: the church is God's building, each minister is a construction worker, and the quality of each person's work will be tested by fire. Paul's point is sobering: one can build on the right foundation with inferior materials and lose one's reward. Quality matters eternally. Every believer is both a building and a builder of God's living temple.