"Architect" in most places is basically "code politician".
Me, on the other hand, long to be an architect so that I can influence some technical decisions.
Grass is always greener.
Dont be the architect be the guy who tells the architect what to do. Because they are too busy in meetings.
You hope you can influence some technical decisions, but it's not just a title of architect that gives you authority, you need convincing and communication skills as well.
I think that's the best I can do if I want to stay in the engineering track.