Architecture Vs Engineering, Which One Should I Study? (Must Read)

Are you thinking about studying either Architecture or Engineering?

Both careers paths are popular, although different does have similarities

To help you make a decision have put together this article for you.

So, Architecture or Engineering, which one should I study?

In short, you should consider studying Engineering if you are interested in using maths and physics to solve everyday challenges. You should study Architecture if you enjoy using maths to design rooms and buildings. 

Engineers have slightly more career options than architects due to higher demand. As a result, getting a job as an Architect is a little more difficult. The jobs of engineers and architects are inextricably linked to the economy. Engineering jobs pay higher than Architecture jobs.

A career in Engineering suits those students who enjoy maths and sciences.

Engineers are typically analytical curious problem solvers who enjoy the technical aspects of developing solutions.

Engineers spend their day’s problem solving, from designing bridges, aircraft to manufacturing equipment.

Now let’s discuss Architecture.

People need places to live, work, play, learn, shop, and eat.

Architects are responsible for designing these places.

They work on public or private projects and design both indoor and outdoor spaces.

Architects can be commissioned to design anything from a single room to an entire complex of buildings

To be successful in Architecture requires an eye for detail, confidence and resilience.

Resilence and confidence when having to present your ideas to a client or customer, only to be knocked back.

Many college graduates find landing their first Architect job difficult due to the level of competition from other graduates.

Unfortunately, the demand for Architects is not that great.

Having said that, several job openings vary greatly as demand for Architects can vary greatly from city to city.

Successful Architects are good communicators and influencers.

Spending a large portion of their day talking to clients, project managers and builders.

This includes having to deal with and manage conflict.

Architects play an important role in construction projects, normally beginning to end.

Start of the project, talk to the client about the brief, budget and timeframe.

Then fun stuff of actually designing and drawing the concept.

Assuming the client approved the project, construction commences, getting involved with project manager and builder, ensuring the build is to specifications.

Then post-construction, an architect most rewarding phase is seeing vision or design come to life.

And that’s where most Architects get the most satisfaction and drive to keep on Architecting.

Architects Vs Engineering, who earns more?

Engineers earn more than Architects, with the median annual wage was around $90k per annum

Wages will vary depending on location, size of the organisation, public or private, and finally the industry.

A sample of Engineering branch wages according to the  Labor Bureau and Statistics is a list below

Job Role Median Wage / Per Annum
Petroleum Engineer $137,330
Civil Engineer $87,060
Mechanical Engineer $88,430
Aerospace Engineer $116,500
Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers $91,410

The employment of architects is projected to grow 1 per cent from 2019 to 2029, slower than the average for all occupations.

Improved building information modelling (BIM) software and measuring technology are expected to increase architects’ productivity, thereby limiting employment growth for these workers.

Demand for Engineering overall is expected to be good, around 1% to 4% depending on the Engineering branch.

They will be best for those with training in the latest software tools, particularly for computational design and simulation.

Such tools allow engineers and designers to take a project from the conceptual phase directly to a finished product, eliminating the need for prototypes.

Architecture Harder to Study than Engineering? (Explained)

Yes, Architecture is harder to study than Engineering due to the enormous workload required at Architecture school. However, Engineer is maths, physics-based, so if you are not comfortable with these subjects you may find studying Engineering more difficult than studying Architecture.

For more information about “How Difficult is Engineering” follow the link below

Engineer become an Architect? (Explained)

Yes, an Engineer can become an Architect if they are qualified and licensed to practice as an Architect. An Engineer is not and cannot be an Architect until he or she is licensed as such.

Engineers can make great architects as they would then understand the structure holistically and there would be good synergy between aesthetics/utility and structural efficiency/constructability.

Architecture deals with the design and aesthetic components, civil engineers deal with structural planning and execution of the creativity and design of the architect

Final Thoughts

Study Architecture or Engineering at College will take a lot of hard work and persistence.

Demand for Engineering and Architects is the same, with Engineering offering more career paths and higher wages than Architecture.

Deciding on what to study is an important one.

Speak with trusted friends and family, even consult with a career consultant for advice.

Consider your strengths and weakness, likes and dislikes before deciding on the career path to study.

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