Expert: Paul S. Brown, AIA - 5/8/2009

Question
To Paul,

Hi my name is Brent, I live in Austin, Tx and am currently in community
college taking calculus and physics courses along with drawing courses. I
have enough credits to transfer to a university to begin studying architecture
now but am at a crossroads pondering whether or not I should continue on
studying physics and calculus to pursue an engineering degree in
architectural engineering . I'm currently finishing calc. 3 and general college
physics and am thinking about registering for a course in differential
equations, and a course in engineering physics next fall. I plan on
transferring to either UT or A&M, next spring but know that both architectural
programs only require up to calculus 2 and general college physics.  I am
more of an artistic person naturally and have a great 2-d portfolio of
drawings and paintings, but I have grown, through taking many math and
science courses, to love math and science and how they relate to art and
design. I love architecture because it uses art, math, and physics but am
wondering if architectural engineering does as well.  Overall how different is a
career in architectural engineering from one in architecture and how
beneficial is it for me  to continue on studying calculus and physics while
majoring in architecture ?

Answer
Hi Brent:
It sounds to me like you could aim higher than either of these choices; with your strong math and physics capability.  You should be looking towards a future designing space stations and extra-planetary living environments, for NASA or some private space exploration venture.  Seriously; I think you would be bored with a career in architecture or architectural engineering.  Unless you zoomed right to the top of the field doing large projects in Dubai or some place like that; I think you would find that you did not have much chance for expression of either your high level math skills or your artistic ability if you were, for example, designing additions and renovations to public school buildings or interiors of law offices or historic preservation of park service buildings.
If you do choose a more traditional path, then I would recommend a pure structural or civil engineering route (building structures; bridges; industrial complexes; etc.)  I think you would find this route to be more satisfying in the long run, and then have your art as a solid hobby to sooth your soul during off hours.
Just my thoughts; hope it helps.
Good luck,
PB