Yes, It's a new term
The term "empathy architect" is not a widely recognized or established term in any specific field, but it can be interpreted in different ways. That's because Janet Orlene coined it to describe her work when attempting to describe herself and the specific methodologies she uses sometime around 2016.
So What is it?
One possible definition of an empathy architect is someone who designs experiences or environments that promote empathy and understanding among individuals or groups. This could include designing educational programs, workshops, or other activities that encourage people to step into others' shoes, see the world from different perspectives, and develop a deeper sense of empathy and compassion.
An empathy architect may also be someone who helps design products or services that are more human-centered, by understanding and empathizing with the needs and desires of users.
Overall, I believe that Empathy grows stronger, the more it is practiced. I design opportunities to express empathy and facilitate processes to reflect, contextualize and make empathy-based practices into relevant, usable systems.
Should This Matter to me?
Empathy involves understanding and valuing the perspectives and feelings of others, and when we practice empathy, we are better able to connect with and care for those around us. By cultivating empathy on a global scale, we can create a more compassionate and understanding world, where people are more likely to work together to address shared challenges and to find solutions that benefit everyone.
Empathy can also help promote social cohesion and reduce conflict. When people are able to understand and empathize with those who are different from them, it can help break down barriers and reduce the tendency towards tribalism or othering. This can help promote greater unity and cooperation among diverse groups of people, ultimately contributing to a more stable and peaceful world.
Furthermore, empathy can help drive positive social change by inspiring people to take action to address social and environmental issues. When we can empathize with those who are most affected by these issues, we are more likely to be motivated to take action to address them. In this way, empathy can be a powerful tool for building a more stable and equitable world.
If a more stable and sustainable world that allows joy to prevail matters to you, empathy should as empathy is the glue that holds such a world together.