Engineer

Architectural Engineer

An architectural engineer designs structures such as houses,

skyscrapers, and bridges based on his knowledge of materials and how

they handle forces.

I. Introduction

A. History

B. Definition

II. Education

A. Suggested high school education

1. General subjects

2. Types of people

B. College

C. Post-College

1. Internship

2. Becoming registered

III. Employment

A. Specialization

B. Acquiring a job

C. The building industry

IV. Structures

A. Cottages

B. Solar houses

C. New Jersey Aquarium

V. Conclusion

Architectural engineers are in demand wherever buildings are being

designed or constructed ("Architectural Engineer/Career Opportunities" 1).

The building industry is the largest single sector of the U.S. economy; it

expands with the continually expanding economy. As new technologies

and materials evolve, the need for better skilled architectural engineers

evolves. Greater complexity leads to increasing fields in specialization

(Belcher 7-8).

The tradition of an individual being the sole creator of a building was

carried on by architects until the 19th century and the rise of industrialized

iron. When the technology for applying steel became too complex to add

to a person's other knowledge about buildings, architects were forced to

work alongside of steel experts, or civil engineers. A need became

apparent for people whose sole professional focus was on the design of

buildings, but whose education as engineers afforded them mastery of the

technologies and materials involved in structural, mechanical, and electrical

systems (Belcher 1).

Architectural engineering is a profession which focuses on the

problem-solving techniques of the engineer toward the design and

construction of a safe, economical building ("Architectural Engineering/

General Information" 1).

The U.S. has about 65,000 licensed architects. Only a few are

women, but the number is rising rapidly ("Architecture Careers" 634). The

National Society of Architectural Engineers (NSAE) arose as the career

became more important to American society. The NSAE is the professional

society devoted to the promotion of, and the dissemination of information

about, architectural engineering (Belcher 2).

High school students interested in becoming architects should take

courses in art, history, foreign languages, mechanical drawing, social

studies, and especially mathematics. Students are also encouraged to take

courses in computer science if such courses are available. In addition,

students able to obtain a part-time job in an architect's office can gain

valuable experience ("Architecture Careers"634).

The type of person who chooses architecture as a profession tends

to be highly creative, curious, and inclined to propose global solutions to

problems. On the other hand, the type of person who chooses to be an

engineer is usually pragmatic, unimaginative, and inclined to compile data

to find the best solution. Architectural engineers combine both ways of

thinking to learn which way of thinking should be used in certain situations

on certain projects.

Architectural engineering students take courses in the theory and

practice of aesthetic design, and architectural history with architecture

students. They also take courses in calculus, physics, and materials

science with engineering students (Belcher 3). "The most difficult classes

were those that involved mechanical and electrical engineering because

they only touched on subjects that require years to master (Cox Personal

Interview)."

There are several steps to becoming an architectural engineer. The

first step is to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in Architectural

Engineering from a university which is accredited with the Accreditation

Board for Engineering and Technology (Belcher 2). A Bachelor of Science

in Architectural Engineering can lead to work in private practice, or it can

lead