I like architecture, but I’m worried it will be too much design and not enough math/physics concepts for me. While I do think design sounds very intriguing, I also love math and physics. Do architects spend all of their time on creative processes like coming up with and refining design concepts, or is there a balance between that and other things? If there is a balance, what other things are common, and how often do architects/architecture students do those things? If I am interested in both design and math/physics, would architectural engineering or something else along those lines be a better option for me?
I will greatly appreciate any help you can give! 
I think you should consider becoming a structural engineer! At UT-Austin and a few other schools, you could double major in architectural engineering and architecture, although I think it’s really better to pick one field and stick with it. PM me if you have more questions. I was an Architectural Engineering major at UT-Austin and now own a consulting firm with my husband, whom I met in grad school.
@MaineLonghorn
Thank you for the amazingly fast response!
I don’t know how to start a PM, so I’ll just ask my question here.
Does structural engineering still incorporate design concepts? I want that too, I’m looking for a fairly even mix of design, math, and physics.
UT Austin sounds cool (although expensive OOS), and I know it would probably be better to choose one to study rather than both. I don’t know how to decide which is for me if I don’t try one/both, but would it be difficult to switch between the two (arch and arch eng) programs if I decide that the one I first choose isn’t the right one for me? In case it matters, the most realistic school I might need to do this at is Cal Poly, since they’d be affordable in state and they have both programs available.
FlipFlops, are you concerned about studying architecture or working as an architect? Architecture at a school like CalPoly is good mix of structures (where you study and use math and physics) and design (the more creative side). Or as they put it “an education that finds its identity at the intersection of art and science”
Many architecture programs post on line their year-to-year curriculums which will give you a clear idea of the balance between design studios and other classes including math, physics. You will also have opportunities to explore other courses as electives. CalPoly for example offers minors in architectural engineering and construction management.
I’m not an architect so I can’t tell you from personal experience, but my observation is that architects rely on their foundational knowledge of math and physics – especially as they interact with engineers and contractors – but their primary function is design.
Architecture is a complex and multifaceted profession with a lot of subsets – some leaning more heavily toward design, some toward tech and engineering. If you can, try to enroll in a summer career exploration class to get a better idea of what a career in architecture entails.
If you’re unsure you might be better off starting with a BA or BS in architecture, architectural studies or even math or physics and then,if you’re still drawn to architecture, getting a Masters of Architecture. The BA or BS would allow you more leeway for electives, a minor or a double major.
The California publics are a wonderful resource, but don’t eliminate privates as you may be eligible for need-based aid or merit aid.
@momrath
Thank you very much for the advice!
I took a look at the curriculum for several schools, and I guess it really does depend almost entirely on whether or not I like studio. I’ll do a summer career exploration class to get a better idea of whether or not I like it.
I’ll try BA or BS programs too, if I’m not sure after a summer program.
I will apply to a mix of publics and privates, maybe I can get lucky with aid.
For many families, need-based aid can make private colleges the same or even less expensive than state schools. It really depends on your income level.
You can find out now how much need-based aid you might be eligible for. Just choose a few private schools that you might be interested in and ask your parent to run the on-line net price calculators. This will at least give you an idea whether need-based aid is workable for your family. If it isn’t, then there is no point in pursuing schools that only offer need-based aid.
Merit aid is also a possibility, but that is more difficult to predict.
Most of your career would be either:
-Drawing details. Figuring out how stuff goes together.
or
-Designing. Making pretty pictures
or
-Dealing with contractors. Making sure what was drawn is what is built.
or
-Writing specs. Insuring the contractors build what is drawn
or
-Dealing with contracts.
or
-Looking for projects. Marketing the firm your at and getting more buildings to draw.
or
-Coordinating engineering drawings. Making sure a mechanical engineer didn’t put a duct through an elevator
The most math you’ve got to do day to day is converting slopes to percentages, converting fractions, algebra.
If you want to deal with physics and complex equations day to day, be an engineer. Architects just need to know enough to know when things look wrong.