What is the Distinction Between an Architect and an Architectural Engineer?

Building structures is the focus of the comparable yet distinct professions of architects and architectural engineers. There are significant distinctions between the two professions, despite the fact that these occupations have comparable responsibilities and require comparable abilities. The distinctions between architects and architectural engineers can help you choose the profession that's best for you if you're interested in working in architecture or a related industry. The roles of architects and architectural engineers are defined, along with their common duties and similarities and distinctions, in this blog.

What is an architect and an architectural engineer?

An architect is a professional who designs the spatial structure of a building. These professionals draw and design both the interior and exterior of a building to adhere to client requests. While the work of an architect involves creativity, it also requires preparing functional designs. An architect might also decide where to place the doors, hallways or windows in a building to maximize space and optimize how people move through a building. An architectural engineer uses the designs of an architect to construct the foundation of a building, primarily focusing on the engineering aspects such as the electrical, plumbing and lighting systems.

These two positions may collaborate on the same project since they're both crucial in the construction process of buildings. An architect often communicates with clients to design and create blueprints, and then an architectural engineer helps create the building based on those blueprints. Architects specialize in aesthetic, functional and spatial design, while architectural engineers use engineering principles and technology to construct necessary systems within a building.

What does an architect do?

An architect uses design, science and construction techniques to develop schematics for a building. At the beginning of a project, an architect meets with clients to discuss goals and deliverables for the entire construction process. Once they make a blueprint for the outside of the building, the architect might work with the client to design the inside, as well. While architects draw some of their designs by hand, it's common for them to use design software to create realistic, 3D blueprints for a structure.

There are many tasks that an architect completes when working on a project. Some of these responsibilities include:

• Communicating with clients
• Project management
• Producing blueprints
• Visiting and monitoring the construction site
• Making progress reports

What does an architectural engineer do?

An architectural engineer uses science and math skills to create the engineering elements of a building. They develop engineering plans for a project, and often work with professionals, such as construction specialists, to erect a structure. Architectural engineers also ensure that a structure complies with local safety regulations. They collaborate with architects to ensure adherence to blueprints when considering and designing systems within a building, such as heating, air conditioning and acoustics.

Some of their roles and responsibilities may include:

• Studying blueprints to create plans
• Designing engineering systems
• Finding and resolving engineering errors
• Ensuring the safety of a building
• Testing the systems after construction

Similarities between architects and architectural engineers

Although architects and architectural engineers are different careers, their roles overlap in certain capacities. Both careers involve producing a building through architectural design, and they both work closely with clients to complete tasks. Effective architects and architectural engineers also use project management methods to break divide tasks into more manageable portions to complete their projects. For example, they might use modeling or mapping charts to plan either the development or creation of their blueprints or systems.

Key differences between architects and architectural engineers

Some of the primary differences between these two professions include:

Education requirements

Employers typically require architects to earn at least a bachelor's degree in architecture, which can take between four and five years to complete. After graduating, it's important to gain experience through internships or other jobs. Many employers require that you also have a master's degree in architecture, which may take an additional one to three years to complete. Some courses you can expect to take in these degrees may include computer-aided design and drafting (CADD), project management, construction methods and building design.

To become an architectural engineer, it's important to earn a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as structural or civil engineering. Some courses you might take while earning your degree include calculus, physics, engineering or mechanical systems. Although employers don't always require further education for architectural engineers, it's often still essential to gain additional experience before becoming licensed.

Average salary

Architects can earn an average annual salary of $104,174 per year, while engineers earn an average annual salary of $68,746 per year. Both of these average salaries may vary depending on the size of the company at which you work, location of your job and the level of experience you have prior to pursuing either position.

Training requirements

While both careers require training or experience to begin pursuing positions, the amount of training required for each position is different. Training is a requirement for earning an architecture license, which allows you to work as an architect. You can complete architecture training through internships. Architecture educational programs typically provide or refer you to internships, which may occur after receiving your undergraduate degree. Another way to find internships is through the National Council of Architectural Registration Board's Architectural Experience Program (AXP).

To become an architectural engineer, it may also be helpful to attain experience and training, but not all employers require these professionals to pursue training opportunities. This often depends on the requirements for the jobs to which you apply. Even if employers don't require training for you to begin working, you may consider pursuing an internship to improve your skills and credibility as an engineer.

Licensing requirements

After graduating and gaining experience, architects take a registered exam, which is the Architect Registration Exam (ARE), to become licensed. Many states require architectural engineers to have a license, so consider researching your state's qualifications if you're interested in this career. Attaining a license often emphasizes credibility, as it verifies to employers that you're an educated and experienced engineer. Not all employers require architectural engineers to attain licensure, but similarly to architects, it's often helpful to research both state and employer requirements before applying to positions.

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