This smurf can also be sometimes referred as Architect, Baumeister, Master Builder or Foreman (#2.0229) We commonly know this smurf, by his orange hard hat, yellow jacket and green boots. While carrying his plans in the right hand and a measuring stick in the left hand. It also looks like he is yelling out instructions.
Architect was one of four Smurfs released in 1989. This included Wild Smurf, Hula Smurfette and Fitness. However can be seen on the cover of the 1988 Schleich catalogue wearing a white hard hat. I don’t think it was ever released like this, as in the following year Architect can be found with an orange hard hat. There were no new smurfs released by Schleich in 1988.
Irwin Toys
In 1995 Irwin Toys started selling Smurfs in the US and Canada. This venture did not last long as by October 1996 Irwin Toys stopped selling Smurfs due to poor sales. Architect was one of the smurfs that was sold by Irwin Toys either on a blister card, a loose smurf from counter top box or as a keychain.
Architect was also included an 8 pack of normal smurf display box. These were produced for the US and Canadian markets, so possible to find in English and French. For example the Canadian box referred to these as – SMURFS SCHTROUMPFS.
All the smurf figurines sold by Irwin Toys were all made in China and given the same article number #20825. There is also no reference to Irwin Toys on the markings found on the smurf.
Schleich continued to sell Architect up until 1999. Over the ten years there appears to be no major changes made. If anything, if I were to compare my collection of Architect Smurfs, some have been painted with shiny paint colours and others with more matte colours. The size of their tongues also vary. Again nothing major but a difference when closely comparing one to another.
Architect, is a beautifully designed and a well made smurf figurine. The detail work of the hard hat and the boots are both worthy of a mention. If you like smurfs with plenty of colour and character, Architect is a must for your smurf collection.
Keep on Smurfin
Kath B