Imhotep (sometimes spelled Immutef, Im-hotep, or Ii-em-Hotep, Egyptian ii-m-ḥtp *jā-im-ḥatāp) (2667 BC - 2648 BC) is the first architect and physician known by name in written history. He is also possibly the source and creator of the Papyrus Scroll being its oldest known bearer. As one of the officials of the Pharaoh Djosèr he designed the Pyramid of Djzosèr (Step Pyramid) at Saqqara in Egypt around 2630-2611 BC, during the 3rd Dynasty. He may also have been responsible for the first known use of columns in architecture. The Egyptians also credited him with the discovery of many inventions. Imhotep was also a poet and philosopher. He urged contentment and preached cheerfulness. His proverbs contained a "philosophy of life." He coined the saying "Eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we shall die." His name means "the one who comes in peace."

The Pyramid of Djoser, or kbhw-ntrw (libation of the deities), was built for the Pharaoh Djoser by his architect and medical doctor Imhotep. It was constructed during the 27th century BC at the Saqqara necropolis to the northwest of the city of Memphis.

This first Egyptian pyramid consisted of mastabas (of decreasing size) built atop one another in what were clearly revisions and of the original plan. The pyramid originally stood 62 meters tall and was clad in polished white marble. The step pyramid (or proto-pyramid) is considered to be the earliest large-scale construction.

Citation from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyramid_of_Djzos%C3%A8r