Architecture Vs. Structural Engineering

Edwards Finance > Architectural Engineering

Q. I'm a high school student with a strong creative bent and interest in design. I'm looking for information about architecture and how it differs and relates to structural engineering, what their different functions are in the field, and what a typical day's work is for each. PS, I'm a bit more interested in the science than the design aspect, so I was wondering if you could especially stress the differences in that area.

A. -The architect is concerned with the whole building...from the site through to the interior finishes. The structural engineer is concerned with how the building stays standing. Good architects work closely with structural engineers to make the architect's designs real. The structural engineer does a lot of math...but still needs to be creative. There are many ways to design a structure. The structural engineer's work is often hidden and rarely are they given the credit they may be due for making the architectural design possible. I have a degree in structural engineering and a degree in architecture. I'm an architect, not an engineer. I could have worked it out so I could have earned my P.E. license, but chose not to. I'd rather be an architect. If you like buildings, then architecture and structural engineering might be for you. Otherwise, I'd look at manufacturing engineering or industrial design...that might be something that hits what you're looking to do. BYU has very strong industrial design program http://www.et.byu.edu/id/ (unfortunately, their website doesn't do their program justice). It combines artistic design with hard core engineering. -I know a number of architects who are also P.E.'s. You may want to consider getting it - it is only two - one day exams. Are the architecture exams still 4 days? -This may get in to the old *form vs function* thang. I do both so its no big deal to me. -You also might want to consider architectural engineering that deals with the various engineering areas in addition to and including structural that are needed to make a building work - HVAC, lighting, acoustics, fire protection. Not many architectural engineering programs around, and most seem to be in the Midwest.

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