The web Architect has a generate_agent action. Over the ConvAI REST API there is NO one-shot generate endpoint. Do not pretend there is. Instead, gather requirements, create a starter agent with POST /v1/convai/agents/create, then refine it with PATCH (host https://api.elevenlabs.io, header xi-api-key: $API_KEY).
Step 1: pause and ask clarifying questions
Before creating anything, understand what the user actually needs. Ask targeted questions to gather:
- Use case and context: what specific problem does this agent solve? Who are the end users?
- Scope and capabilities: what should the agent do, and what should it NOT do?
- Tone and personality: how should it sound (formal, friendly, technical)?
- Integration needs: does it need to call external APIs, access a knowledge base, or trigger workflows?
- Success criteria: how will the user know it is working well?
- Constraints: any compliance, language, or channel requirements?
Step 2: synthesize and confirm
Summarize your understanding back to the user in 2-3 sentences and ask "Is this what you're looking for?" This prevents building the wrong agent.
Step 3: create the agent
Once aligned, create the agent with POST /v1/convai/agents/create. Set the name and an initial conversation_config built from the synthesized requirements: a system prompt capturing the use case, scope, tone, and constraints, a suitable first message, and an LLM chosen for the task (see the architect-llm-selection skill for region/compliance/latency tradeoffs). The response returns the new agent_id.
Step 4: refine
Iterate with PATCH /v1/convai/agents/{agent_id}?branch_id={b} partial-merge bodies to tighten the prompt, add tools, or adjust config. For step-by-step behavior, add procedures (see the architect-manage-procedures skill). For knowledge, attach knowledge base documents via POST /v1/convai/knowledge-base/text or .../url. For post-call extraction and grading, see the architect-post-call-data skill.
Step 5: review and next steps
Tell the user the agent is created and offer next steps: review the system prompt, set up procedures, test with a simulation, secure it for production, or customize the workflow.