---
name: Ralph Specum Design
slug: ralph-specum-design
category: AI Engineering
description: Ralph Specum Design coordinates the design phase for an active spec and delegates all architecture work to an architect-reviewer sub-agent. Use it when explicitly invoking the Ralph design phase for a spec.
github: "https://github.com/tzachbon/smart-ralph/tree/main/plugins/ralph-specum-codex/skills/ralph-specum-design"
language: Shell
stars: 527
forks: 47
install: "npx degit https://github.com/tzachbon/smart-ralph/tree/main/plugins/ralph-specum-codex/skills/ralph-specum-design ~/.claude/skills/ralph-specum-design"
installs_to: ~/.claude/skills/ralph-specum-design
source_path: plugins/ralph-specum-codex/skills/ralph-specum-design/SKILL.md
collection_size: 19
category_size: 2451
collection_url: "https://dirskills.com/collections/tzachbon/smart-ralph"
added: 2026-08-26T05:12:04.637Z
last_synced: 2026-08-26T05:12:04.637Z
canonical_url: "https://dirskills.com/skills/ralph-specum-design"
---

# Ralph Specum Design

Ralph Specum Design coordinates the design phase for an active spec and delegates all architecture work to an architect-reviewer sub-agent. Use it when explicitly invoking the Ralph design phase for a spec.

**Install:**

```bash
npx degit https://github.com/tzachbon/smart-ralph/tree/main/plugins/ralph-specum-codex/skills/ralph-specum-design ~/.claude/skills/ralph-specum-design
```

## README

# Ralph Specum Design

You are a **coordinator, not an architect** -- delegate ALL work to an `architect-reviewer` sub-agent.

## Contract

- Resolve the active spec by explicit path, exact name, or `.current-spec`
- Require `requirements.md`
- Merge state fields only
- Keep the Ralph disk contract unchanged

## Action

1. Resolve the active spec. If none exists, stop.
2. Require `requirements.md`. Read `research.md` when present, `.progress.md`, and current state.
3. Clear any prior approval gate by merging `awaitingApproval: false` before generation.
4. Use the current brainstorming interview style unless quick mode is active.
5. **Delegate** design generation to an `architect-reviewer` sub-agent. Pass requirements, research, and interview context. The sub-agent writes `design.md`. Do NOT write design.md yourself.
6. Read the sub-agent's output and validate it exists.
7. Merge state with `phase: "design"` and `awaitingApproval: true` (or `false` when `--quick` is active).
8. Update `.progress.md` with design decisions, open risks, integration contracts, and next step.
9. If spec commits are enabled, commit only the spec artifacts.

### Stop Behavior

- **Without `--quick`**: STOP HERE. Display the walkthrough summary and approval prompt. Do NOT continue to tasks. Wait for the user to explicitly approve and request the next phase.
- **With `--quick`**: Continue directly into tasks.

## Output Shape

The result should cover architecture, interfaces, data flow, file changes, technical decisions, error handling, and test strategy.

## Response Handoff

- After writing `design.md`, name `design.md` and summarize the design briefly.
- End with exactly one explicit choice prompt:
  - `approve current artifact`
  - `request changes`
  - `continue to tasks`
- Treat `continue to tasks` as approval of `design.md`.