All radio frequency (RF), microwave, mmWave, and terahertz systems rely on a single critical component: the antenna. Poor antenna design or selection can render a system non-functional or unsafe, even if all other components are high-quality. Often treated separately from system design, antennas may be added late or outsourced, sometimes sacrificing performance for versatility. Optimizing an antenna requires considering system goals, materials, environment, and regulatory compliance, making it a