# The Four Seats
Source: https://humanspark.ai/frameworks/four-seats/

*A four-role split that keeps AI advice separate from AI action.*

**When to use:** Any AI work that changes something live - files, code, configuration, published pages, or a large set of documents.

Advisor

Examines the problem and challenges assumptions. Changes nothing.

Planner

Turns the chosen direction into steps, with risks and a rollback.

Operator

Carries out the agreed plan inside an agreed scope.

Auditor

Checks the result against the goal, not against the instructions.

> **Separation of duties, applied to AI:** One model can sit in all four seats, as long as it only sits in one at a time.

## Related frameworks

- [Butler vs Advisor](https://humanspark.ai/frameworks/butler-vs-advisor/) - The two modes this splits into seats
- [The Verification Tax](https://humanspark.ai/frameworks/verification-tax/) - What checking the pushback costs