Reply to thread

Message

<blockquote data-quote="MarauderX" data-source="post: 5341671" data-attributes="member: 9990">Architectural Engineer here.&nbsp; I've worked for a few architectural and consulting engineering firms (RTKL, EYP, and others), and I've been alongside architects every day my career.&nbsp; Right now the construction field is pretty depressed (nothing that therapy will help), and it lags the rest of the economy.&nbsp; Since you probably took a few computer language courses like I had to, I thought I'd be cute and write some if-then statements for you.I'd say if you want control over the built exterior environment and like to be a good project manager, you should be an architect.&nbsp; Believe it or not, the best architects I've interfaced with knew who to turn to for expertise. If you want to create awe-inspiring interior spaces with superb lighting, dive into interior design or electrical engineering with a lighting specialty.If you want to make money and enjoy interfacing with architects to help improve or find unique ways to create spaces, consider structural engineering.If you are looking to make money and improve efficiency and be the leader in saving energy (greening a building), become a mechanical engineer to know the systems and how to save energy, figure out return on investment, etc.&nbsp; For schools, I know Penn State has 5 year accredited programs that lead you through how the industry operates as well as teaching the history of development with exposure to all sorts of styles and places.&nbsp; American University also has a reputable 4 year program, and I believe the University of Virginia is known for being good... at least on the east coast.&nbsp; But to me it is more about the individual than the firm or the school or the project.&nbsp; The other thing that may help you now more than ever is being LEED certified.&nbsp; Getting it may seem rough, but once you have it, it can take you places if you have a niche and know it well.&nbsp; A few other things: learning the programs that can create what you want is just as important as building that portfolio.&nbsp; Employers may be impressed with creativity &amp; vision, but if you can't properly express that via CAD drawings you are likely out of luck.&nbsp; Lastly, good luck, and I hope you find a good role in the industry!</blockquote>

[QUOTE="MarauderX, post: 5341671, member: 9990"] Architectural Engineer here. I've worked for a few architectural and consulting engineering firms (RTKL, EYP, and others), and I've been alongside architects every day my career. Right now the construction field is pretty depressed (nothing that therapy will help), and it lags the rest of the economy. Since you probably took a few computer language courses like I had to, I thought I'd be cute and write some if-then statements for you. I'd say if you want control over the built exterior environment and like to be a good project manager, you should be an architect. Believe it or not, the best architects I've interfaced with knew who to turn to for expertise. If you want to create awe-inspiring interior spaces with superb lighting, dive into interior design or electrical engineering with a lighting specialty. If you want to make money and enjoy interfacing with architects to help improve or find unique ways to create spaces, consider structural engineering. If you are looking to make money and improve efficiency and be the leader in saving energy (greening a building), become a mechanical engineer to know the systems and how to save energy, figure out return on investment, etc. For schools, I know Penn State has 5 year accredited programs that lead you through how the industry operates as well as teaching the history of development with exposure to all sorts of styles and places. American University also has a reputable 4 year program, and I believe the University of Virginia is known for being good... at least on the east coast. But to me it is more about the individual than the firm or the school or the project. The other thing that may help you now more than ever is being LEED certified. Getting it may seem rough, but once you have it, it can take you places if you have a niche and know it well. A few other things: learning the programs that can create what you want is just as important as building that portfolio. Employers may be impressed with creativity & vision, but if you can't properly express that via CAD drawings you are likely out of luck. Lastly, good luck, and I hope you find a good role in the industry! [/QUOTE]

Verification