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Good morning all,

I was hoping to get some feedback from Architectural Engineers as to what their specific job functions entail. I am pursuing a degree with an end goal of being a licensed PE. I have to change my degree program due to changes in the State law for licensing of PE's and I want to make sure that I transition to the best suited curriculum for me. I was planning on becoming a Structural Engineer; however, I recently learned that an Architectural Engineer is a multi-disciplinary engineer, which suits both my past work experience and knowledge base. (I transitioned from 10 years in construction to almost 10 years in building code enforcement). What I am asking for is some feedback as to what practicing Architectural Engineers actually do. I was always under the impression that an engineer was not allowed to prepare drawings and specifications for which they were not licensed to do... eg, an Electrical Engineer is not permitted to prepare drawings and specs which have any mechanical scope. What I have discovered is that this may not be necessarily correct, especially with Architectural Engineering. Would anyone be able to provide some insight for me regarding this specific branch of engineering?

Thank you so much,

Jake

Jake:

I had been in a similar situation in my undergraduate studies and  transferred into Civil Engineer program. I focused on structural engineering after I graduated and subsequently obtained a Master's in Civil with a focus on construction management. Depending on what state(s) you plan to practice in and types of structures ( or industries) you realistically can not be an expert in  so many specialties.

It is great to have a broad knowledge base and I have used my mechanical course work to become a Certified Energy Manager and also a LEED AP B D+C professional but actually designing all disciplines is very difficult for large structures. ( maybe residential is possible  if that is your goal).

Now with Passive House & Net Zero and the new Energy codes there are many related opportunities but  again accomplishing all design tasks with very  tight deadlines  requires a " design team" & collaboration with structural , MEP engrs , civil & architects. ( not to mention Geotechnical, seismic, acoustical design etc.).

You should learn as much  but focus  on one or two specific disciplines ( within Civil ) to practice design and check state licensing requirements.

I work with many consultants where I manage Specialty testing contracts and I  am involved with forensic firms,geotech, surveying and materials testing labs.

Best

Mike

Jake:

I had been in a similar situation in my undergraduate studies and  transferred into Civil Engineer program. I focused on structural engineering after I graduated and subsequently obtained a Master's in Civil with a focus on construction management. Depending on what state(s) you plan to practice in and types of structures ( or industries) you realistically can not be an expert in  so many specialties.

It is great to have a broad knowledge base and I have used my mechanical course work to become a Certified Energy Manager and also a LEED AP B D+C professional but actually designing all disciplines is very difficult for large structures. ( maybe residential is possible  if that is your goal).

Now with Passive House & Net Zero and the new Energy codes there are many related opportunities but  again accomplishing all design tasks with very  tight deadlines  requires a " design team" & collaboration with structural , MEP engrs , civil & architects. ( not to mention Geotechnical, seismic, acoustical design etc.).

You should learn as much  but focus  on one or two specific disciplines ( within Civil ) to practice design and check state licensing requirements.

I work with many consultants where I manage Specialty testing contracts and I  am involved with forensic firms,geotech, surveying and materials testing labs.

Best

Mike

Good morning all,

I was hoping to get some feedback from Architectural Engineers as to what their specific job functions entail. I am pursuing a degree with an end goal of being a licensed PE. I have to change my degree program due to changes in the State law for licensing of PE's and I want to make sure that I transition to the best suited curriculum for me. I was planning on becoming a Structural Engineer; however, I recently learned that an Architectural Engineer is a multi-disciplinary engineer, which suits both my past work experience and knowledge base. (I transitioned from 10 years in construction to almost 10 years in building code enforcement). What I am asking for is some feedback as to what practicing Architectural Engineers actually do. I was always under the impression that an engineer was not allowed to prepare drawings and specifications for which they were not licensed to do... eg, an Electrical Engineer is not permitted to prepare drawings and specs which have any mechanical scope. What I have discovered is that this may not be necessarily correct, especially with Architectural Engineering. Would anyone be able to provide some insight for me regarding this specific branch of engineering?

Thank you so much,

Jake

All,

I have been a professional engineer, with a Civil Engineering BS, for over 30 years. In that time, I have worked on projects that require many other types of engineers. My experience in designing buildings (commercial and residential) and civil projects (water supply, waste treatment, gas and electrical utilities, and environmental) has shown me the need for a broad need for all types of engineers.  An architectural engineer needs training and experience in broad applications like structural, mechanical, electrical, environmental, and geology applications. The Architectural Engineer will give a young student the exposure to the best uses of all the above applications. If I could go back to my choice of engineering when I started college, I would take Architectural Engineering for my major.

Jack E. Reinhard, P.E.

Jake:

I had been in a similar situation in my undergraduate studies and  transferred into Civil Engineer program. I focused on structural engineering after I graduated and subsequently obtained a Master's in Civil with a focus on construction management. Depending on what state(s) you plan to practice in and types of structures ( or industries) you realistically can not be an expert in  so many specialties.

It is great to have a broad knowledge base and I have used my mechanical course work to become a Certified Energy Manager and also a LEED AP B D+C professional but actually designing all disciplines is very difficult for large structures. ( maybe residential is possible  if that is your goal).

Now with Passive House & Net Zero and the new Energy codes there are many related opportunities but  again accomplishing all design tasks with very  tight deadlines  requires a " design team" & collaboration with structural , MEP engrs , civil & architects. ( not to mention Geotechnical, seismic, acoustical design etc.).

You should learn as much  but focus  on one or two specific disciplines ( within Civil ) to practice design and check state licensing requirements.

I work with many consultants where I manage Specialty testing contracts and I  am involved with forensic firms,geotech, surveying and materials testing labs.

Best

Mike

Good morning all,

I was hoping to get some feedback from Architectural Engineers as to what their specific job functions entail. I am pursuing a degree with an end goal of being a licensed PE. I have to change my degree program due to changes in the State law for licensing of PE's and I want to make sure that I transition to the best suited curriculum for me. I was planning on becoming a Structural Engineer; however, I recently learned that an Architectural Engineer is a multi-disciplinary engineer, which suits both my past work experience and knowledge base. (I transitioned from 10 years in construction to almost 10 years in building code enforcement). What I am asking for is some feedback as to what practicing Architectural Engineers actually do. I was always under the impression that an engineer was not allowed to prepare drawings and specifications for which they were not licensed to do... eg, an Electrical Engineer is not permitted to prepare drawings and specs which have any mechanical scope. What I have discovered is that this may not be necessarily correct, especially with Architectural Engineering. Would anyone be able to provide some insight for me regarding this specific branch of engineering?

Thank you so much,

Jake

You can find an example curriculum

for ARE here...www.are-cns.ksu.edu

I hope this helps!

All,

I have been a professional engineer, with a Civil Engineering BS, for over 30 years. In that time, I have worked on projects that require many other types of engineers. My experience in designing buildings (commercial and residential) and civil projects (water supply, waste treatment, gas and electrical utilities, and environmental) has shown me the need for a broad need for all types of engineers.  An architectural engineer needs training and experience in broad applications like structural, mechanical, electrical, environmental, and geology applications. The Architectural Engineer will give a young student the exposure to the best uses of all the above applications. If I could go back to my choice of engineering when I started college, I would take Architectural Engineering for my major.

Jack E. Reinhard, P.E.

Jake:

I had been in a similar situation in my undergraduate studies and  transferred into Civil Engineer program. I focused on structural engineering after I graduated and subsequently obtained a Master's in Civil with a focus on construction management. Depending on what state(s) you plan to practice in and types of structures ( or industries) you realistically can not be an expert in  so many specialties.

It is great to have a broad knowledge base and I have used my mechanical course work to become a Certified Energy Manager and also a LEED AP B D+C professional but actually designing all disciplines is very difficult for large structures. ( maybe residential is possible  if that is your goal).

Now with Passive House & Net Zero and the new Energy codes there are many related opportunities but  again accomplishing all design tasks with very  tight deadlines  requires a " design team" & collaboration with structural , MEP engrs , civil & architects. ( not to mention Geotechnical, seismic, acoustical design etc.).

You should learn as much  but focus  on one or two specific disciplines ( within Civil ) to practice design and check state licensing requirements.

I work with many consultants where I manage Specialty testing contracts and I  am involved with forensic firms,geotech, surveying and materials testing labs.

Best

Mike

Good morning all,

I was hoping to get some feedback from Architectural Engineers as to what their specific job functions entail. I am pursuing a degree with an end goal of being a licensed PE. I have to change my degree program due to changes in the State law for licensing of PE's and I want to make sure that I transition to the best suited curriculum for me. I was planning on becoming a Structural Engineer; however, I recently learned that an Architectural Engineer is a multi-disciplinary engineer, which suits both my past work experience and knowledge base. (I transitioned from 10 years in construction to almost 10 years in building code enforcement). What I am asking for is some feedback as to what practicing Architectural Engineers actually do. I was always under the impression that an engineer was not allowed to prepare drawings and specifications for which they were not licensed to do... eg, an Electrical Engineer is not permitted to prepare drawings and specs which have any mechanical scope. What I have discovered is that this may not be necessarily correct, especially with Architectural Engineering. Would anyone be able to provide some insight for me regarding this specific branch of engineering?

Thank you so much,

Jake

Hi Jake,

I have inserted information related to the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, IL. I completed my undergraduate studies in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Structural Engineering. 

http://engineering.iit.edu/programs/undergraduate/bachelor-science-architectural-engineering

After working in the field before and after graduation, I visited a number of existing buildings with envelopes in poor condition, missing mechanical maintenance and inadequate lighting. Curiosity led to investigating advanced studies in Architectural Engineering academic programs. IIT in Chicago provides an in depth focus with hands on research. I recommend contacting Professor Brent Stephens, brent@.... He is an excellent adviser and lecturer.

http://engineering.iit.edu/programs/graduate/master-engineering-architectural-engineering

I hope this helps!

Good morning all,

I was hoping to get some feedback from Architectural Engineers as to what their specific job functions entail. I am pursuing a degree with an end goal of being a licensed PE. I have to change my degree program due to changes in the State law for licensing of PE's and I want to make sure that I transition to the best suited curriculum for me. I was planning on becoming a Structural Engineer; however, I recently learned that an Architectural Engineer is a multi-disciplinary engineer, which suits both my past work experience and knowledge base. (I transitioned from 10 years in construction to almost 10 years in building code enforcement). What I am asking for is some feedback as to what practicing Architectural Engineers actually do. I was always under the impression that an engineer was not allowed to prepare drawings and specifications for which they were not licensed to do... eg, an Electrical Engineer is not permitted to prepare drawings and specs which have any mechanical scope. What I have discovered is that this may not be necessarily correct, especially with Architectural Engineering. Would anyone be able to provide some insight for me regarding this specific branch of engineering?

Thank you so much,

Jake

I work as a structural engineer for buildings.  My cross-disciplinary knowledge is useful in collaborating as opposed to actually signing and sealing non-structural documents.  I have an appreciation for the needs of other disciplines and can suggest alterations to solve other problems.  Like moving a duct, or moving a beam, or developing an integrated system to solve multiple problems with one stroke.   

Good morning all,

I was hoping to get some feedback from Architectural Engineers as to what their specific job functions entail. I am pursuing a degree with an end goal of being a licensed PE. I have to change my degree program due to changes in the State law for licensing of PE's and I want to make sure that I transition to the best suited curriculum for me. I was planning on becoming a Structural Engineer; however, I recently learned that an Architectural Engineer is a multi-disciplinary engineer, which suits both my past work experience and knowledge base. (I transitioned from 10 years in construction to almost 10 years in building code enforcement). What I am asking for is some feedback as to what practicing Architectural Engineers actually do. I was always under the impression that an engineer was not allowed to prepare drawings and specifications for which they were not licensed to do... eg, an Electrical Engineer is not permitted to prepare drawings and specs which have any mechanical scope. What I have discovered is that this may not be necessarily correct, especially with Architectural Engineering. Would anyone be able to provide some insight for me regarding this specific branch of engineering?

Thank you so much,

Jake

Good morning all,

I was hoping to get some feedback from Architectural Engineers as to what their specific job functions entail. I am pursuing a degree with an end goal of being a licensed PE. I have to change my degree program due to changes in the State law for licensing of PE's and I want to make sure that I transition to the best suited curriculum for me. I was planning on becoming a Structural Engineer; however, I recently learned that an Architectural Engineer is a multi-disciplinary engineer, which suits both my past work experience and knowledge base. (I transitioned from 10 years in construction to almost 10 years in building code enforcement). What I am asking for is some feedback as to what practicing Architectural Engineers actually do. I was always under the impression that an engineer was not allowed to prepare drawings and specifications for which they were not licensed to do... eg, an Electrical Engineer is not permitted to prepare drawings and specs which have any mechanical scope. What I have discovered is that this may not be necessarily correct, especially with Architectural Engineering. Would anyone be able to provide some insight for me regarding this specific branch of engineering?

Thank you so much,

Jake

Good morning,

Thank you all for taking the time to respond to my question, and your efforts to help a prospective fellow PE. I was enrolled in an ABET Accredited "Technology" engineering course, and learned that SC will no longer accept any degree accredited by the ETAC (Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission). I am now looking for a curriculum that is accredited by ABET's EAC (Engineering Accreditation Commission). Since I have a full time job, a long commute, and a family to take care of, I was hoping to find another online or partial online accredited curriculum in Architectural Engineering. I think that Architectural Engineering is by far the best option for me and I wanted to say thank you again for all the input so far. 

Sincerely,

Jake

Good morning all,

I was hoping to get some feedback from Architectural Engineers as to what their specific job functions entail. I am pursuing a degree with an end goal of being a licensed PE. I have to change my degree program due to changes in the State law for licensing of PE's and I want to make sure that I transition to the best suited curriculum for me. I was planning on becoming a Structural Engineer; however, I recently learned that an Architectural Engineer is a multi-disciplinary engineer, which suits both my past work experience and knowledge base. (I transitioned from 10 years in construction to almost 10 years in building code enforcement). What I am asking for is some feedback as to what practicing Architectural Engineers actually do. I was always under the impression that an engineer was not allowed to prepare drawings and specifications for which they were not licensed to do... eg, an Electrical Engineer is not permitted to prepare drawings and specs which have any mechanical scope. What I have discovered is that this may not be necessarily correct, especially with Architectural Engineering. Would anyone be able to provide some insight for me regarding this specific branch of engineering?

Thank you so much,

Jake

Good morning all,

I was hoping to get some feedback from Architectural Engineers as to what their specific job functions entail. I am pursuing a degree with an end goal of being a licensed PE. I have to change my degree program due to changes in the State law for licensing of PE's and I want to make sure that I transition to the best suited curriculum for me. I was planning on becoming a Structural Engineer; however, I recently learned that an Architectural Engineer is a multi-disciplinary engineer, which suits both my past work experience and knowledge base. (I transitioned from 10 years in construction to almost 10 years in building code enforcement). What I am asking for is some feedback as to what practicing Architectural Engineers actually do. I was always under the impression that an engineer was not allowed to prepare drawings and specifications for which they were not licensed to do... eg, an Electrical Engineer is not permitted to prepare drawings and specs which have any mechanical scope. What I have discovered is that this may not be necessarily correct, especially with Architectural Engineering. Would anyone be able to provide some insight for me regarding this specific branch of engineering?

Thank you so much,

Jake