Here is a comprehensive list of common agentic AI architectural patterns used in agentic frameworks
| Pattern Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Handoff Pattern | Dynamic sequential transfer of control and context between specialized agents for task handling. |
| Controlled Flow | Tasks follow defined workflows with explicit control and order. |
| LLM as Router | Large language model routes tasks dynamically to appropriate agents or tools based on context. |
| Reflection Pattern | Agents self-audit and iteratively improve outputs before finalizing results. |
| Tool Use Pattern | Agents invoke external tools or APIs to extend capabilities beyond their inherent knowledge. |
| ReAct (Reason and Act) | Combination of reflection and tool use where agents reason and interact with tools iteratively. |
| Planning Pattern | Breaking down tasks into subtasks with explicit goals for strategic execution and delegation. |
| Multi-Agent Collaboration | Multiple agents work together concurrently or sequentially, sharing state and results. |
| Sequential Orchestration | Agents work in a fixed linear order, passing outputs to the next agent in sequence. |
| Concurrent Orchestration | Agents run alongside each other independently, and outputs are aggregated afterward. |
These patterns enable flexible, autonomous, and scalable AI systems adaptable to a wide range of real-world applications and complexities.
Sources
[1] AI Agent Orchestration Patterns – Azure Architecture Center https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/architecture/ai-ml/guide/ai-agent-design-patterns
[2] Agentic design patterns: the building blocks of scalable AI agents https://hypermode.com/blog/agentic-design-patterns-ai-agents
[3] 5 Agentic AI Design Patterns – by Avi Chawla https://blog.dailydoseofds.com/p/5-agentic-ai-design-patterns
[4] The 2025 Guide to AI Agent Workflows – Vellum AI https://www.vellum.ai/blog/agentic-workflows-emerging-architectures-and-design-patterns
[5] Handoff Agent Orchestration | Microsoft Learn https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/semantic-kernel/frameworks/agent/agent-orchestration/handoff
