I’m stuck. Got it down to these three and I’m stuck. My ideal day is go to work, design on computer (CAD), potentially meet with clients, head home (preferably work from home sometimes for computer only days). I’m confused between civil engineering, architectural engineering, and architecture. I love to design, but don’t want to be purely arts, I need some number crunching too. However, I want to design and draft the building, not just the land and property. Architectural engineering’s description sounds ideal, but I’m not sure what job prospects are with it. Should I transfer (currently at DVC) into an architectural engineering program? Or should I get a Bachelors in Architecture with a minor in Civil Engineering and a Master’s in Civil? Vice-versa? or other? Also what’s a name for the job I’m looking for? Civil Designer? Civil Drafter? Architect?
Architecture is usually a professional 5 year degree with very little opportunity to take minors or second majors. Furthermore, in order to do a Masters in an engineering discipline, you will the mathematics that an engineering student takes so an Architecture degree generally does not have enough in the program.
Your best bet would be Architectural Engineering and then you could take a Masters in Architecture if you want to be accredited professionally.
Hmmm.
What design functions would a civil engineering degree get me in a job? Is it only the land plotting and stuff that I keep seeing? Or do they get to design buildings too? Descriptions say that structural engineers get to design stuff, but I am unable to find specific descriptions of that aspect.
Architectural engineers design building systems–lighting and electrical, hvac, and fire protection systems are examples. They may work with the architect on these or structural elements of a building’s design, but they have a different role than the architect. You can’t feasibly get your undergraduate degree in architecture and add a master’s in engineering. There isn’t much overlap in coursework. You might want to look at the actual coursework required for each degree and see which interests you more. Architects and engineers both use CAD-type software and they work together on projects but their contributions to a project’s design are quite different.
My question then Parentof2014grad is what engineers would be doing on that CAD-software? Do they design? If so what? Multiple specific examples would be appreciated
Here are two examples. To construct an individual residential dwelling, a Civil Engineer will design everything outside of the building walls, such as the driveway, septic system, lot grading, storm water drainage system, other utility connections, and making sure zoning regulations are met, such as lot setback lines and impervious coverage. The architect would design everything inside the walls, and exterior aesthetics. Since most houses are of a standard construction, a structural engineer would likely not be needed to assist in designing the house.
Similar project, but now we have a large office building. Same as above, with the following exceptions:
• A Civil Engineer would also have to prepare a traffic study to demonstrate to the local approving authority that the project can be built without adversely affecting traffic, or that public improvements would be necessary, such as an additional travel lane, or perhaps a new traffic signal.
• A structural engineer would be involved in the actual design of the building, making sure the beams and columns and any other structural elements of the building are strong enough to support the building and its contents. The architect would still be In charge of the building design and overall layout.
Of course the above is a simplified summary, with many exceptions, but it is a good starting point.
Furthering NJEngineer3’s response, the structural engineer decides the following:
- If it's a steel framed structure, the structural engineer decides on the size of the beams and columns required. How often is a beam required? How do the beams and columns connect to one another?
- If it's a concrete building, they decide how big the concrete columns and slabs need to be, the amount of steel reinforcement required in them and the strength of concrete.
- The structural engineer designs the above using the anticipated loads (forces) that will be applied to the building. How much does it have to support. The engineer has to figure out:
- the weight of the building itself
- how much of a load the tenants / residents will apply to the building
- earthquakes
- wind
- snow
- etc.
Thank you everyone, this really helps. Im pretty sure on Architecture now, unless someone can suggest a similar field (same level of design on computers) which requires math and/or science.
I suggest you head over to the Architecture forum and ask some questions. I don’t know how much number crunching Architects do.
Most number crunching in architecture involves splitting the pizza cost for late night studio… Typically one or two semesters baby calculus, one and maybe two physics classes, and that’s it math or science wise.
Keep in mind that architects do more than just draw nice pictures. They have to get involved in all the little details like flashing, waterproofing, cabinet layout, fire ratings, etc. I admire architects - they have to have artistic talent but also become knowledgeable about construction details. And they don’t get paid as much as engineers, generally.