This paper demonstrates how shape grammars can be applied in archaeological research to deduce design principles and apply them to reconstruct fragmentary artifacts. The paper presents two examples, two archaeological shape grammars implemented in Shape Machine that showcase the range of possibilities: a grammar analyzing a single, well-documented building, the Ionic Porch at the Sanctuary of the Greater Gods in Samothrace, to generate variant possible reconstructions effectively; and a grammar analyzing the Roman aedicular façade to assist in the reconstruction of a fragmentarily surviving one, the main hall of Hadrian’s library and help visualize and understand new hypotheses about its use. These two examples manage to (a) visually document the reconstruction process an archaeologist follows in recreating the building and defining the relationships of its architectural components; (b) generate variant possible reconstruction drawings in parallel, in plan and elevation, quickly; (c) comply with the principles of archaeological reconstruction to showcase variation and probability, and finally; (d) automate the reconstruction process that can be expanded to other buildings as well.