Expert: Cailler - 2/2/2007

Question
I like to design houses and love math. I can design a house with certain area or perimeter restrictions and etc. But I don't really enjoy science so civil engineering or Architecture? Most people tell me the science comes secondary to the math in both and since engineers make more money than architects i should be an engineer. What do you think?

Answer
Hello Natali,

You seem to have a natural talent in designing (drafting) of houses, which gives me the feeling that you would fit more into Architecture. Your artistic talent or shape ideas could than be fully expressed. Background for engineering or architectural studies are of course maths and sciences. Architecture requires less science than engineering studies, but more material and artistic knowledge/drafting talents. Engineers are focused and trained to check a design, shapes and calculate whether a structure with chosen materials will resist to given loads to ensure structural and foundation stability.

For the money side, both directions can lead to financial success, depending on the career path chosen. Architects are usually more pre-destined to become self-employed and use their independence to express their artistic roots.

If you are not sure what to choose, why not try first to follow a seminar/lecture/course in architecture in a nearby college/university!

Hope this will help you in your decision making.

Best regards