I am currently an undergrad in civil engineering at The Ohio State University. I was wondering if (and how) a civil engineer could also do the work of an architect within a firm. Also, my dream is to own my own engineering/construction firm. I ideally want to be able to do both the engineering work as well as the architectural work within the firm that I start/own. I love construction and engineering but feel that my passion is more on the design side. I also really want to manage construction protects that my firm is hired for. I was considering doing a business minor with my civil degree and maybe going to professional school to specialize in architectural engineering. Is this the best route for my dreams? Are my dreams reality, is it possible to wear those hats in a firm (owner/engineer/architect/construction manager)? Obviously I wouldn’t do this for every job (and maybe more in the earlier stages of the firm?), but this has been my passion and dream for a long time. I also figured civil engineering is the most beneficial degree of the fields I want to cover.
You can get a BS in Architectural Engineering from a few schools, including UT-Austin, where I got my ArchE degree. UT does have a dual architecture / architectural engineering degree. It is VERY challenging - I knew just one student who went that route.
I would say that it would be very tough to practice architecture AND structural engineering. They are very different fields, and there is a lot to keep up with - building codes are constantly changing. I think it’s better to specialize in something you love doing rather than trying to be a jack of all trades. Could you take an architectural design class at Ohio State? That would give you an idea as to which field you like best. Even though I was an A student, my architectural design classes were very hard for me!
Arch E IS a good major, because it lets you concentrate on the design of buildings - you don’t have to learn about pumps, roads, wastewater plants, etc. I had to take classes in architectural design, EE, plumbing, etc.
Structural engineers are typically paid more than architects, but you should pick the field that you enjoy most.
I’m going to move your thread to the engineering forum to see if other people have different advice for you.
Seems like you’re in the “I want to do it all phase.” Been there! It’s not really realistic though as clients/owners would typically want firms that are experts in specialty fields rather than a one stop shop. Perhaps that is the case in small scale residential construction… I cant say for sure since my experience is in commercial construction.
I think with time and experience, you will have an idea of what the better fit is for you. What year are you? I would try to get some experience working for an engineering firm or construction management firm as an intern to get a feel for things.
If you really do want to become an architect, you’ll need a professional degree. That means a B.Arch, which is a 5 year undergrad degree (that ship has sailed) or a M.Arch, which is a 2 or 3 year professional masters degree. Some civil engineering majors have gone on to architecture school via this path right after undergrad. So while it’s possible to get an education in both, it will be nearly impossible to get work experience in both.
I would not waste your time with a business minor, as there will be no tangible benefit.
I’ll add that architectural engineering is engineering of building systems, not architectural design focused. My D is an arch eng major and is currently taking the one required design class. As @mainelonghorn said, architectural engineering is multidisciplinary within engineering but Is not an architecture degree. You could likely get an architecture masters degree after civil engineering, but I’d suggest gettting some internship experience doing engineering at a firm that works with architects before deciding what you would prefer.
What are your specific aspirations? Architecture per se isn’t always needed. You can design and build houses or even whole subdivisions without. My uncle did that at the same time he was the chairman of a university civil engineering department. More complicated structures would require the divide and conquer approach others have alluded to.
I’m currently finishing my 6th of 10 semesters for my civil degree. I like engineering and it is what I want to major in but I just don’t want to get away from the asthetic and design of buildings. I have a great passion for that as well. Being able to both design and build/lead the project is my dream. I want to be able to create/dream the design of the building and be the one that is in order of it all being put together and built.
Don’t let anyone dampen your dreams and ideas. Yes! You can do this. You will need to get your P.E. license (professional engineer). This license is granted by state so figure out where you want to live and work and sit for the test in that state. Don’t forget to consider things like state income tax, how friendly a state is to small business (that’s where you’ll start) and general cost of living as well as future demand for building.
To get your P.E. license you will need a masters in Engineering (after your undergrad) and then 5 years of professional experience. This sounds like a lot but it will serve you well to be successful in your goals. You can start designing and from there build your business to include the actual construction/contracting. Many architects aren’t too thrilled that a P.E. can do it all making them unnecessary. When you are getting your professional experience, choose a job that will teach you what you’ll need to know to go off on your own.
You might want to consider picking up a few classes in accounting, marketing, business etc. to help you with that end of your business. You can also learn that “on the job” by working for someone else and of course through self study/reading.
Your business idea is an excellent one and you can absolutely do this. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Keep going and good luck!