7 answers
Nur
Student
Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
1
Question
Asked
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May I ask for opinions ?
I've got an offer to pursue my studies in civil engineering but I've always loved arts and have my eyes on architecture. I would like to know more about architecture courses so that I could decide whether to change course in the future or not. Or maybe a little detail about the differences between architecture and civil engineering. (thank you for your time)
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7 answers
Hazel Zúñiga Alvarado
Business Architect
4
Answers
Cartago, Cartago Province, Costa Rica
Updated
Hazel’s Answer
Hi Nur!
Civil Engineering is more about the science and mechanics behind building things—like bridges, roads, water systems, and structures. It’s very technical, involving physics, math, and problem-solving. Civil engineers focus on how things work and whether they’ll stand.
Architecture, on the other hand, blends art and design with function. Architects think more about how spaces feel, how people will interact with them, and how to create beautiful, livable environments. It still involves structure and some engineering basics, but there's a strong emphasis on creativity, aesthetics, and drawing/design skills.
Now, you also have to consider your options and your time availability, personally, I received an job offer like this early in my carreer and because of my financial situation, I decided to take it, gather experience and decide whether I liked it or not, while I did that, I took night courses or the other carreer I was leaning more towards to. Turns out, I didn't like so much the second option and stayed on my carreer where I was already working. Choosing one doesn't really mean that you can't change your decision later...
Hope this helps!
Civil Engineering is more about the science and mechanics behind building things—like bridges, roads, water systems, and structures. It’s very technical, involving physics, math, and problem-solving. Civil engineers focus on how things work and whether they’ll stand.
Architecture, on the other hand, blends art and design with function. Architects think more about how spaces feel, how people will interact with them, and how to create beautiful, livable environments. It still involves structure and some engineering basics, but there's a strong emphasis on creativity, aesthetics, and drawing/design skills.
Now, you also have to consider your options and your time availability, personally, I received an job offer like this early in my carreer and because of my financial situation, I decided to take it, gather experience and decide whether I liked it or not, while I did that, I took night courses or the other carreer I was leaning more towards to. Turns out, I didn't like so much the second option and stayed on my carreer where I was already working. Choosing one doesn't really mean that you can't change your decision later...
Hope this helps!
Thank you for sharing and giving me the advice. It really helps!
Nur
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
7094
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Nur! See if you can do a double major in Architecture and Civil Engineering. There are courses near Selangor. SEE https://mttc.edu.my/ (MTTC Academy) for Architecture Courses Near Selangor ALSO https://www.pluralsight.com/courses/cloud-native-architecture-big-picture? (Cloud-native Architecture: The Big Picture. Cloud-native is about how, not where. This course will teach you the principles, patterns, and technologies that help you build more scalable, changeable, resilient, and manageable software - By Richard Seroter - Pluralsight course - Cloud-native Architecture: The Big Picture) ALSO https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/architecture-vs-civil-engineering (Architecture vs. Civil Engineering: What's the Difference?)
Your academic performance shall be optimized by having small meals with complex, slow-acting carboydrates like brown rice and peas. Add small portions of meat, chicken, fish, prawns, scallops, cheese, or egg. Have seven small meals a day for maximum study effectiveness. Keep your fluids up so you get 33 milliliters of water per kilogram of your bodyweight per day. For instance 33 milliliters x 75 kg = 2,475 ml / day water. [10 cups].
Your academic performance shall be optimized by having small meals with complex, slow-acting carboydrates like brown rice and peas. Add small portions of meat, chicken, fish, prawns, scallops, cheese, or egg. Have seven small meals a day for maximum study effectiveness. Keep your fluids up so you get 33 milliliters of water per kilogram of your bodyweight per day. For instance 33 milliliters x 75 kg = 2,475 ml / day water. [10 cups].
Thank you for your time. I really appreciate it
Nur
Ray von Dohren
Retired sanitary engineer
22
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Ray’s Answer
I’m a civil engineer. Of course these are stereotypes, but I like poking fun at us. We dress in basically four colors: sand, asphalt, steel and smog. Architects design Taj Mahals, Eiffle Towers, Hagia Sophias and the Changi Airport in Singapore. Civil Engineers build freeway sound walls and wastewater treatment plants. We get excited solving the mundane, which maybe dull, but necessary. How do you make traffic move more smoothly? How do you make dirty water clean? Does it have to be so noisy around here?
Architects design parks. Civil engineers build things to get you to the parks and provide facilities to keep them clean and operating smoothly. Architects design magnificent buildings. Civil engineers make sure they don’t fall down. We are both creative, but we apply our talents and experience in different ways. Thank an architect for a glamorous shopping mall. Thank a civil engineer for making sure the toilets flush in the mall and the wastewater is treated so nobody gets sick.
Architects concepts and ideas are like an artist’s brush. Civil Engineers ideas and designs come from the use of a pencil and a calculator. We tease each other, but we also know we need each other’s skills and experiences.
Architects design parks. Civil engineers build things to get you to the parks and provide facilities to keep them clean and operating smoothly. Architects design magnificent buildings. Civil engineers make sure they don’t fall down. We are both creative, but we apply our talents and experience in different ways. Thank an architect for a glamorous shopping mall. Thank a civil engineer for making sure the toilets flush in the mall and the wastewater is treated so nobody gets sick.
Architects concepts and ideas are like an artist’s brush. Civil Engineers ideas and designs come from the use of a pencil and a calculator. We tease each other, but we also know we need each other’s skills and experiences.
Thank you for giving me details, this helps a lot!
Nur
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1210
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Of course, Nur, I like that you're giving this some thought because this is a very important and serious choice. While both architecture and civil engineering can lead to rewarding careers, their daily tasks, mindsets, and areas of focus are very different.
The technical and structural aspects of building projects are the primary focus of civil engineering. Civil engineers deal with transportation planning, water systems, soil testing, load calculations, materials, and how to securely erect structures. Civil engineering has a strong foundation in math, physics, and problem-solving, if those are your stronger interests. Making sure that infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, skyscrapers, dams, and so forth, is safe, economical, and long-lasting will be your responsibility.
On the contrary, architecture combines structure, creativity, and design. In addition to function, environment, human experience, and sustainability, architects create the interior and exterior looks of buildings. They give spaces their concept, shape, and visual identity. Architecting may be more in line with your interests if you enjoy drawing, visual arts, design tools, and considering how people use space.
A major difference is that, whereas civil engineering focuses more on the application of scientific concepts, architecture typically calls for greater creativity and artistic vision. Yet they collaborate closely; for example, a civil engineer may design a stunning curved roof, and the architect will determine how to make it structurally possible.
Try speaking with professionals or students in both areas if you're thinking about making the transfer. You could also consider taking a quick online course in architecture (there are introductory ones available on sites like Coursera or edX) or even shadowing someone. Even if you're in a civil engineering program, several colleges offer electives relating to architecture, so you could explore it without immediately transferring to architecture.
Whatever path you decide on, you are not at a standstill. Many people switch between fields or find ways to combine their interests, such as becoming an architect who understands engineering principles well or a structural engineer who works closely with architects.
Your passion for the arts is proper, and it's acceptable to pursue a career that inspires and motivates you. Any choice you make should be based on what you truly like doing each day, not just what is expected of you or what looks doable. Keep asking relevant questions and have faith in yourself.
Best wishes!
The technical and structural aspects of building projects are the primary focus of civil engineering. Civil engineers deal with transportation planning, water systems, soil testing, load calculations, materials, and how to securely erect structures. Civil engineering has a strong foundation in math, physics, and problem-solving, if those are your stronger interests. Making sure that infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, skyscrapers, dams, and so forth, is safe, economical, and long-lasting will be your responsibility.
On the contrary, architecture combines structure, creativity, and design. In addition to function, environment, human experience, and sustainability, architects create the interior and exterior looks of buildings. They give spaces their concept, shape, and visual identity. Architecting may be more in line with your interests if you enjoy drawing, visual arts, design tools, and considering how people use space.
A major difference is that, whereas civil engineering focuses more on the application of scientific concepts, architecture typically calls for greater creativity and artistic vision. Yet they collaborate closely; for example, a civil engineer may design a stunning curved roof, and the architect will determine how to make it structurally possible.
Try speaking with professionals or students in both areas if you're thinking about making the transfer. You could also consider taking a quick online course in architecture (there are introductory ones available on sites like Coursera or edX) or even shadowing someone. Even if you're in a civil engineering program, several colleges offer electives relating to architecture, so you could explore it without immediately transferring to architecture.
Whatever path you decide on, you are not at a standstill. Many people switch between fields or find ways to combine their interests, such as becoming an architect who understands engineering principles well or a structural engineer who works closely with architects.
Your passion for the arts is proper, and it's acceptable to pursue a career that inspires and motivates you. Any choice you make should be based on what you truly like doing each day, not just what is expected of you or what looks doable. Keep asking relevant questions and have faith in yourself.
Best wishes!
Thank you so much for your advice, I'll be sure to keep that in mind. it's really helpful
Nur
You're welcome!
Chinyere Okafor
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2438
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question l. I am glad to know that you have interest in Architecture and Civil Engineering.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Architecture is more related to design of buildings including exterior and interior design. Civil Engineering is related how to construct the building designed by the architect. You can find out more information online.
2. Speak to the professors in the college to seek advice
3. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, and your parents
4. Decide the career path you would like to pursue
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Architecture is more related to design of buildings including exterior and interior design. Civil Engineering is related how to construct the building designed by the architect. You can find out more information online.
2. Speak to the professors in the college to seek advice
3. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, and your parents
4. Decide the career path you would like to pursue
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this. Thank you very much!
Nur
Christopher Adeniji
Architect | Entrepreneur | Technocrat
50
Answers
Lagos, Nigeria
Updated
Christopher’s Answer
Hi Nur,
Of course, happy to share my thoughts. Civil engineering and architecture often work closely, but they focus on different things: civil engineering is more about structures, materials, and solving technical problems, while architecture is centered on design, space, and how people experience buildings.
If you’ve always loved art and design, architecture might speak more to your creative side. That said, starting with civil engineering isn’t a loss; I have a background in architecture, but I’m now focusing and specializing in construction management to combine both fields. It’s a path that gives you flexibility and opens doors to work on both the design and technical sides of building.
If you're still unsure, explore design electives or join creative projects. Trust your interests, they usually lead you to where you truly belong.
Of course, happy to share my thoughts. Civil engineering and architecture often work closely, but they focus on different things: civil engineering is more about structures, materials, and solving technical problems, while architecture is centered on design, space, and how people experience buildings.
If you’ve always loved art and design, architecture might speak more to your creative side. That said, starting with civil engineering isn’t a loss; I have a background in architecture, but I’m now focusing and specializing in construction management to combine both fields. It’s a path that gives you flexibility and opens doors to work on both the design and technical sides of building.
If you're still unsure, explore design electives or join creative projects. Trust your interests, they usually lead you to where you truly belong.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. I'll be sure to benefit from your advice!
Nur
Alexander Mangala
Civil Engineer
1
Answer
Lusaka, Lusaka Province, Zambia
Updated
Alexander’s Answer
All these answers are good guidance.
Basically, the two fields do converge somewhere, mainly in the aspects of buildings and recreational spaces.
To sum it up, imagine it like this...
Architects - conceptualise it
Civil engineers - realise it
Basically, the two fields do converge somewhere, mainly in the aspects of buildings and recreational spaces.
To sum it up, imagine it like this...
Architects - conceptualise it
Civil engineers - realise it