Final answer:
An architect has considerable leeway, especially with modern advances in CAD and new materials which have pushed the boundaries of design.
Step-by-step explanation:
The leeway an architect has in designing a building is significant, especially in the modern era. While they are bound by the physical limits imposed by materials and the laws of physics, advancements in technology such as CAD (Computer-Aided Design), laser scanning topography, and the development of new materials have expanded the boundaries of what can be conceived and constructed.
Architects must account for the compression loads and shear loads a structure will be subjected to, ensuring a stable foundation and framing system that can span open spaces without compromising stability. However, with a team collaborating on the design, playing roles that intersect both architecture and engineering, the vision for a building's appearance and internal layout can be realized even within these physical constraints.
In the case of the Soumaya Museum, its exterior shown during construction as an example, modern architecture showcases the level of creativity and ingenuity that architects can employ. This illustrates that, more often than not, architects' limitations are dictated more by budget and practicality than by their imagination.