A Look At Architectural Engineering

Architectural engineering is a discipline of engineering which deals with the design and construction of buildings.

There are many types of architectural engineering such as Architectural Engineering Technology, Construction Management, Architectural Hardware Engineering, and more. 

This article will discuss a little bit about the history of architectural engineering and what it takes to become an architect including schooling requirements.

Architectural engineering has been around since the beginning of American history. In the early days of America, there were many builders who served as architect and engineers to construct homes, buildings and monuments. Most of these builders had more than one trade they were able to do such as carpentry, bricklaying and masonry. These trades helped their clients build structures that would withstand the elements, but would also be aesthetically pleasing to look at. 

The roles of architectural engineering have evolved since then but still plays an important part in society today.

The aesthetic appeal of a building is one of the main roles that architectural engineering plays. The design and planning of a building are key in determining how that building will stand up to harsh weather and natural disasters. Structural engineers are mainly concerned with the structural stability and put it into plans on how it should be built. Mechanical engineering covers heating, cooling, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), plumbing, electrical and lighting systems. 

Architectural engineering integrates all aspects of the building from inside to outside including design, functionality and maintenance. Architectural engineers work together with interior designers when coming up with plans for a project.

Architectural engineers have many different educational backgrounds. There are three main academic pathways that one can take to gain an architectural engineering degree. However, the majority of architects and engineers do not work in their field of study. The three educational pathway include: architecture, engineering and design. This article will mainly focus on architecture and the requirements for it.

The first step in becoming an architectural engineer is to obtain a bachelor's degree in architecture from an accredited university such as a college or university of art, architecture or landscape architecture (UCLA). Architectural engineering students usually take courses such as building systems, building materials and construction methods together with classes taught by professors who are also architects or engineers. Most schools require a minimum of at least 120 credits to graduate, which can include upper division (junior/senior), core, and electives courses. 

After graduating from a four-year undergraduate program, many students go on to complete an additional degree such as Master's or doctoral degrees. The number of years it takes to complete a master's degree vary depending on the school and subject. Typical time frames for completion are two years for Master's in Architectural Engineering and one year for PhD in Architecture, Mechanical or Construction Engineering.

After completing any degree programs related to architectural engineering, students will be able to use their knowledge in building fields by joining the work force as a registered architect under professional registration laws. To become a registered architect or engineer in the state where they wish to work, applicants must have graduated from an accredited architectural engineering program within the past 10 years. (Architecture and Civil Engineering students can apply for internship after graduating but must be working for a company for at least 2 years before applying). 

In order to become an architectural engineer and register as such in any state, there are certain requirements that one needs to meet. It varies from state to state. In general, these requirements include:

-Physical presence

-Certification examination

-License examination

-Achievement of experience credits in specified areas of work or practice equivalent to a bachelor's degree or 5 years' experience at the graduate level.

-A review of academic and work experience by the state board.

-Provisional status may be granted for a period of up to 2 years.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects job growth in all engineering disciplines, including architectural engineering, to increase at a faster than average rate through 2024. As an architectural engineer, you'll be able to exercise your design talents by working on designs that are not only functional, but also pleasing aesthetically. This will allow you to take part in all aspects of the building process from start to finish. 

Percentage job growth by 2024: 5%

Median annual salary by years of experience (2012):

-2 years or less: $50,000 

-3 to 4 years: $55,000 

-5 to 9 years: $65,000 

-10 to 19 years: $74,000 

-20 or more years: $84,000

https://www.bureauoflaborstatistics.bls.gov/ooh/architectureenginering/home.htm#tab-4

http://www.architectureengineersociety.org/

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http://www.architecture.org/fastfacts.php?wpg=ERA_c&id=78

http://www.engineeringcareers.com/job_postings/architectural-engineer-jobs.html

 http://www.fastcompany.com/3043032/why-isn%E2%80%99t-this-the-coolest-job-ever

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http://www2.gwu.edu/-sunicorp-lsi/95-16-shortcutmanuals/#focusonarchitecture

http://iapicensura2012conference

Conclusion

Architectural engineering is the application of science and technology in the design and construction of buildings. The field can be broken down into two main parts: Architecture and Structural Engineering. The former deals with the beauty, applicability and functionality of a building while Structural Engineering is focused on ensuring that a building will stand up to harsh weather conditions as well as any possible natural disasters.

Because architectural engineering covers all aspects of construction, it has become very eclectic in its nature. There are many different educational pathways one can take to become an architectural engineer, including architecture, civil engineering or industrial design..