If you are confused about which is best for you: Architecture or Engineering, this blog will benefit you. Architecture and Engineering are two different fields. However, they can sometimes overlap due to similar jobs, such as designing buildings and structures. There are also many differences between these two. Understanding their distinctions can help you to decide which major will satisfy your passion. So, today we will tell you in detail about Architecture vs Engineering. Before jumping right into the differences, let us look at the basics of both fields.
What Is Architecture?
Architecture is the science of designing and constructing buildings, and an architect is a construction design professional who is responsible for this work. Architects meet with clients and understand their goals and requirements. After that, they create preliminary plans which tell the projected timelines and estimated cost. They also confirm the viability of the environment and space by prior studies and site research. Architects use software like computer-aided design and drafting to draw the proposed structures. However, some architects use their hands for drawing.
Architects also study structural issues, research building codes, and material specifications prior to starting the project. They hire contractors to perform construction tasks, and then they oversee the construction process by frequent visits to the worksite. For becoming an Architect, one should have strong analytical, technical, and innovative skills. He should be creative enough to understand the structures’ functional aspects and how this affects the design.
What Is Engineering?
Engineering is the branch of science and technology which deals with the design, build, invent, and use of machines, engines, and structures to solve problems. Engineering is a broad field and has many subfields such as chemical engineering, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, etc. But, as we are discussing Architecture vs Engineering, we will only talk about construction engineering here. Engineers who are responsible for designing and developing structures and buildings are construction engineers. They look after project construction that includes monitoring budgets, timelines, and specifications.
Construction engineers are also responsible for the quality and accuracy of construction methods, building materials, and designs. These engineers meet with clients to assess and understand their requirements and goals. They review risks associated with construction costs, timelines, government regulations, and the environment. In some scenarios, they obtain building permits from local agencies.
Construction engineers also use computer-aided design and drafting(CADD) for drawing designs. Construction engineers should have strong technical, design, and problem-solving skills. They have to organize multiple projects to develop fast solutions for engineering issues.
Architecture vs Engineering: What Are the Main Differences?
An architect and an engineer perform several similar functions, yet both these fields have significant differences. These distinctions can help students to choose one among architecture and engineering according to their interests.
Architecture vs Engineering Salary
The average salary of an architect is $99,151 per year in the U.S. Architect’s skills, experience, prior income, service location can decide his salary. The salary of an architect ranges from $28,000 to $245,000 per year.
The average salary of an engineer in the U.S. is $91,010 per year. A construction Engineer’s salary ranges from $28000 to $160,000 per year. Level of experience, skills, employer’s geographic area decide the average salaries of a construction engineer.
Design
An architect mainly deals with designing and constructing the space, form, and ambiance of the buildings. At the same time, Engineers ensure the working of a design by using scientific principles.
Qualifications and Licensing
Architects and Engineers complete different degrees in their colleges. They have to go through different examinations to get licenses. Architectural students have to pass the Architect Registration Examination to become registered architects in the United States. This examination covers seven areas, i.e., Building Systems, Site Planning & Design, Construction Documentation, etc.
To get a professional Engineer license(PE) in New York, students must pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam. This examination covers different engineering disciplines, such as electrical, civil, mechanical, structural, etc.
Work Environment
Architects generally work in offices most of the time. They have to use computers to draw structures, meet with customers on the phone, internet call, or in-person and cooperate with engineers and designers. They also travel sometimes to oversee construction work.
Engineers create designs, perform administrative tasks, research projects, etc. In contrast to architects, construction engineers have to travel more frequently. They visit job sites to assist problem-solving and monitor the progress of the project. Construction engineers often have to relocate for months in the case of constant off-site work.
Requirements of Maths and Physics
Architects have to keep in mind various scientific methodologies during the creation of drawings and communications with engineers. However, engineers should be experts in Maths and Physics as they are responsible for generating quantifiable terms from architectural vision.
Specializations
Architects and Engineers can also study or practice in other fields. Architects can work with commercial, industrial, and residential structures. They can design the entire city. Engineers have multiple fields to study, such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, civil engineering, etc.
Architecture vs Engineering: In Tabular Form
| Architecture | Engineering |
| The average salary is $99,151 per annum | The Average Salary is $91,010 per annum |
| Primarily deals with the design & construction of the space, form, and ambiance of the building. | Ensure the working of a design by applying scientific principles |
| students have to pass the Architect Registration Examination. | The principles and Practice of Engineering exam is required. |
| Work in offices for most of the time. | Frequently travel to work sites. |
| Architects can work with commercial, industrial, and residential structures. | Engineers can study with multiple fields, such as electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, etc |
| Architects have to work within budgets for construction costs | Engineers look into this factor during the evaluation of project specifications. |
| Architects can deal with commercial, residential, and industrial structures | Engineers can deal with many fields such as computer engineering, electrical engineering, civil engineering, etc. |
Conclusion
In this blog, we have provided detailed information about Architecture vs Engineering. An architect mainly works on designing and constructing buildings, form space, and other physical environments. In contrast, engineers ensure the working of design by the application of scientific principles. Hopefully, we have cleared all your doubts related to Architecture vs Engineering. In case you need any Architecture Assignment Help, you can discuss your requirements with our experts anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
What comes first Architect or Engineer?
First, the Architect designs the blueprint of a building. Then, the engineer gets this design and chooses the materials that can make the Architect’s blueprint or design a reality. The choice of the material will decide the strength of the building.
How many years does it take to be an architect?
The regulations for the licensing of an Architect vary from country to country. But if we talk mainly about the study, Bachelor of Science in Architecture is a five-year degree program designed for students who wish to become Architect.