Transferring from Engineering to Arch..need serious input

College Majors Architecture Majors
1

<p>I am currently registerred in Mechanical Engineering first year at McGill…however I am greatly interested in architecture…the design of buildings…its history…</p>

<p>is it wise to transfer from ME to Arch ? considering McGill has a relatively strong arch school in Canada (small size around 250 students in total)…I mean I can definitely survive in engineering programs…can do all the math/physics…</p>

<p>engineering generally has better job perspective as far as I know…(always in demand)…arch is kinda worse…but my problem is that I am realli vague about which I like the best…</p>

<p>do u think I should go to Civil and then decide what to do after graduation or
directly make my move right now?</p>

<p>and one last thing…how is Arch + a minor in math…does that open more possibilities in the future?</p>

2

<p>Personally, if you want to be the best architect, skip the minors and get as much of a liberal arts educaiton as you can with your electives.</p>

<p>The chasm between architecture and engineering education is too vast. You must decide now. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.</p>

<p>If you want to work on buildings–you should consider Structural Engineering.</p>

3

<p>Cheers has a good point.</p>

<p>Structural engineers are key members of design teams on many large buildings and projects. An architect with a beautiful design needs a structural engineer to say whether it will stand up and keep standing. I know a structural engineer who specializes in broadcast antennas on buildings and travels the world to consult on high-rise projects. </p>

<p>Mechanical engineers also are key members of the building systems design team. Thermal comfort, life safety, efficient elevator transportation, etc. are all imporant to the success of a building design. A building that looks good, but functions poorly, is bad design.</p>

<p>So you may have the opportunity to be either an engineer with the heart and soul of an architect, or an architect with the know-how of an engineer.</p>