2 answers
Jayden
Student
Yuma, Arizona
1
Question
Updated
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How long does it take to design, get approved, and get the permits to build a skyscraper Also what is important to focus on in school?
I am a 13 year old middle school student from Yuma Arizona, and ever since I was about 9 I wanted to be an architectural engineer. However recently I found out that there’s about 1 civil engineer in my entire city, and I also have an intern ship ready for civil engineering when I turn 15. I also want to know if is should still try to be an architectural engineer.
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2 answers
Alecia Drenckhahn
5
Answers
Updated
Alecia’s Answer
Hi Jayden! To answer your first question, the time it takes to design and build a skyscraper depends on several things like the client's budget, how often they change their mind, the location, and the size of the building. It usually takes a few years at least, and sometimes even up to a decade or more.
If you're thinking about architecture or civil engineering, these fields work closely together. Knowing a bit about both can really help projects run smoothly.
With a civil engineering degree, you can also specialize and become a structural engineer. If you love skyscrapers, this might be a great path for you. Also, structural engineers can sometimes act as the Architect of Record for certain projects.
If you choose to be an architect in residential work, you'll act as the civil and structural engineer as well as the architect.
There's another option you might not have considered: Landscape Architecture. It's more related to civil engineering than architecture, but it could be a nice mix if you're interested in both areas.
Study math (especially geometry and calculus)
Study physics
Study art, history, and English
If you're thinking about architecture or civil engineering, these fields work closely together. Knowing a bit about both can really help projects run smoothly.
With a civil engineering degree, you can also specialize and become a structural engineer. If you love skyscrapers, this might be a great path for you. Also, structural engineers can sometimes act as the Architect of Record for certain projects.
If you choose to be an architect in residential work, you'll act as the civil and structural engineer as well as the architect.
There's another option you might not have considered: Landscape Architecture. It's more related to civil engineering than architecture, but it could be a nice mix if you're interested in both areas.
Alecia recommends the following next steps:
Thank you Ms. Drenckhahn , for you answer too my question. Also thanks for you suggestion on which subjects i should focus on in school
Jayden
Darren Choy, PE, ENV SP
Civil Engineering
2
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
Darren’s Answer
Hi Jayden,
I agree with Alecia's answers.
I am a civil engineer, so I will provide a little more information about civil engineering:
Civil engineering is a very diverse job, you could work on anything like a skyscraper, road, sewer, storm drain, water pump station, school, park, house, trail, apartment building, airport, sports arena, and more. You could specialize in a certain type of civil engineering or many types, lots of options for a career.
A skyscraper is a very complex project, and no singular job can design everything about it. On a skyscraper project, a civil engineer can work with architects, landscape architects, structural engineers, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, geotechnical engineers, and others.
For middle and high school, focus on math, geometry, and physics. A drawing or graphic design class (hand and/or computer) can also be useful.
Good luck!
I agree with Alecia's answers.
I am a civil engineer, so I will provide a little more information about civil engineering:
Civil engineering is a very diverse job, you could work on anything like a skyscraper, road, sewer, storm drain, water pump station, school, park, house, trail, apartment building, airport, sports arena, and more. You could specialize in a certain type of civil engineering or many types, lots of options for a career.
A skyscraper is a very complex project, and no singular job can design everything about it. On a skyscraper project, a civil engineer can work with architects, landscape architects, structural engineers, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, geotechnical engineers, and others.
For middle and high school, focus on math, geometry, and physics. A drawing or graphic design class (hand and/or computer) can also be useful.
Good luck!