XCcoasterfreak

I know several discussions have been initiated regarding synthesis of Architecture and Engineering; however, the concept still hasn't left me. I believe Santiago Calatrava is one.

While I understand double majoring in both is very demanding, theoretically, wouldn't being a registered Engineer and Architect allow for more work opportunities (I understand it depends on the state)? I mean in the back of my mind and by observing recent discussions on both the web and in real life, I noticed that there has been quite a slump for Architects lately; some out of jobs and not many job openings in firms. I'd assume (correct me if I'm wrong) that Structural Engineering firms aren't in as bad of a slump as Architecture firms, so maybe there would be more job openings?

But the point I'm trying to make is, you would have more options for work, right? Or is it unattractive to firms that you are registered for both?

I only ask because I have a high interest in both fields, and I would significantly enjoy working for either, or even both for that matter.

If this is possible, which of the following programs would best prepare me for such?

I am looking at joint programs for:
-B.Arch/ M Structural Eng
-B.Arch/ BS Civil / M Structural Eng
-BS Civil / BA Arch / M Arch
-Minor Structural / BA Arch / M Arch / MS Structural Eng
-Minor Structural / BA Arch / M Arch
-BA Arch / MS Structural Eng / M.Arch
-BS Arch Eng / B.Arch
-BS Arch Eng / M.Arch
-BS Civil / M.Arch

There are just so many possibilities, I just don't know which one would be the most effective.

I really appreciate it if anyone answers, thank you!

turbo93

Look to see how common these qualifications are, and what the people with said qualifications do for a living. I have a similarly alphabet soup collection of related degrees and find doing 90% of one type of work, and 10% of the other, simply because of where I work and how much money we're talking about. If a firm needs 9 software engineers and 1 human factors engineer - I am both - I find that most of the time I do software simply because that is where the work is. I do get lots of recruiter hits but for the most part all they want is software - not both.

rick12

I think you are on the right track in looking for tow separate programs to get your degrees. Given the number of electives allowed in a BArch program I think it would be very difficult to fit in the courses required for a dual degree. I would make the terminal degree be whatever I cared more about. Do you want to be a structural engineer with knowledge of architecture, or an architect who is knowledgeable about structural engineering? Or do you plan to be licensed in both?

Go look into the requirements for licensing. For architecture it is 3+ years of very specific experience under a licensed architect, then probably a minimum of one year of exams to get through (most take a little more time). I am not sure of the requirements for engineering, but I am pretty sure it is a combination of experience and exams. So you get your engineering degree as an undergraduate, work a few years to get registered, go back for a 3.5 year MArch, work for three years, take the exams for a year or two and now in your early/mid thirties you will be an architect/engineer. This is not a common path, and I'm not sure I've met anyone like this.

Most of the time what I see are individuals who studied one or the other in undergraduate, decided that they wanted to be something else, and then got a masters degree in the other field and that is where they are practicing. This is fairly common.

rick

CGeresti

Sorry to jack this but I'm wondering the same thing. I want to run a construction company some day so I was thinking double major in civil engineering and architecture then masters in construction management. Then eventually an mba.

XCcoasterfreak

I'd probably want to be licensed for both, although in a realistic mindset, I think I'm the Architect who craves thorough knowledge of structural engineering. I mean it works well theoretically in my mind, and not sure how well it would work in practice, but I would want to design the look of the building and also would want to engineer it structurally; by thoroughly understanding seismic analysis and logistics, I believe I may be able to create effectively artistic designs, and be at an advantage in the field (probably not). For this I mainly look at Calatrava's work:

http://ricardoesposito3.wikispaces.c...IMG001_r68.jpg

I may end up getting a B.Arch because I always observe the aesthetics of buildings subconsciously, and sparks my imagination. Yet I can't decide my education route because I feel like I am not significantly artistically inclined in the physical sense; as in, I used to be able to draw well and I haven't practiced anymore and I feel reluctant to compile an artistic portfolio this summer for admissions because I feel like it would be sub-par. I'd want to make artwork for buildings but it looks to be irrelevant to the what the admissions officers seek for in a portfolio. I feel like I developed more in CAD than graphite drawing, but using programs like Sketchup that are mainly used for conceptual and not technical like Revit, etc. It's that reason I lean more towards earning my undergrad in Engineering because of how daunting studio-work sounds, but I feel the same towards the coursework in Engineering with the complex sciences and mathematics (although this isn't such a big deal to me, it'll just be tedious). This is mainly why I can't decide which to do, because I feel like I equally appreciate both fields.

I hope the rambling wasn't very irrelevant and that I was able to accentuate my problem.

rick12

CGereti, if you want to run a construction firm don't worry about getting all those degrees, just buy yourself a pick-up truck and some work boots ;-) Seriously I would think that an undergraduate degree in architecture with a Masters in Construction Engineering or Civil Engineering would be an optimal education. Today there is a focus on the integration of construction and architecture, and having a knowledge of both would be a real plus.

XC, you need to keep working on your sketching, don't worry what it looks like. The secret to being able to draw well is being willing to make ugly drawings, because without making many ugly drawings you will never get to beautiful drawings. Have you ever seen Calatrava's drawings? They are amazing. He may have an engineering degree, but he is really an artist. There are not many like him.

If you think you want to be an architect then start with your architecture degree. Architecture school is a pretty intense experience and you will find out quickly whether you enjoy it or not. If it feels like a beating, get out and move to engineering. If you enjoy it, then graduate, get a job, and then decide if you still want to get the engineering degree. One step at a time.

rick

ken285

Well, I would say it depends on the kind of construction firm he's interested in. If heavy construction is his goal, an architecture degree may not be as useful as an engineering degree.

CGeresti

I just want the knowledge to be able to not only run the business sector but to understand what they're doing in the field, but of course start off as an engineer.

Would anybody happen to know if it is easier to get hired out of state, like say california, from farther away like say, pennsylvania haha? Or would I be better off going to college where I want to work?

rick12

Certainly it is easier to get a job near the university where you graduated, but it all depends on the alumni network for your school. Our construction group in Texas recruits quite a few graduates from both iowa State and Purdue. Why? Because many of our senior managers are from those schools, and because we have had real success with the graduates. A few years ago we recruited a student out of the graduate engineering program at Stanford, and now we are going there to recruit.

I think I would just focus on finding the best program.

rick

CGeresti

Well right now I'll be at penn state.

QuietType

^^^^^^^Penn State has a Construction Management track for their Architectural Engineering program.

ken285

Penn State has one of the largest alumni networks in the country.

CGeresti

Is a civil engineer starting salary enough to even live comfortably in California?

ken285

I don't know the exact statistics, but logic would say yes. There are plenty of Californians in much lower paying careers all of them can't be living uncomfortably. Just don't expect to buy a new house and a new car right out of college.

By the way, I thought you were interested in managing construction for a career rather than working as a civil engineer?

CGeresti

Well that was another question I had. A lot of colleges have construction management in their civil engineering departments. How similar are they?