Q: (Initially posted on February 11, 2003) FROM KATRINA IN CO
I want to make a career in the Architecture and Interior Design field, and
my question is what major should be for this goal, and what courses I
should be taking. I can not decide what is better: Architecture or Civil
Engineering. Thank you.

February 12, 2002
A: FROM MENTOR MARSHA SEGEBARTH IN INDIANA
Katrina, one thing I think you should address is your interest in art and being creative. I expect that you are strong in math - since both fields you mentioned are heavily math based. In my opinion, architecture (either design or engineering) would appeal more to someone who enjoys visualizing and creating. What brings you enjoyment? My daughter who is a high school senior is also planning to pursue architecture. She chose this field because she believes it will combine her artistic talents and her math strengths.
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A: FROM MENTOR MARY JO MULLEN IN IL
If you think you want to work with buildings, Architecture, Interior
Design and Civil Engineering are all fields to look into. To decide between
these, you need to look at what you enjoy most.

Architecture and Interior Design are more creative and artistic fields.
They do a lot of sketching and free hand design. Your class load in college
for Architecture would include many art classes, history of architecture and
architecture design classes

The Civil Engineering side of this would be the structural analysis and
design of buildings. Structural engineers design parts of the building to
support other parts or the entire structure. There is a lot more math and
calculations involved the engineering side. Your class load in college
would include more math, physics and structural analysis.

You can go for the best of both worlds and double major in Civil Eng. &
Architecture! I have a cousin who got a dual degree from Univeristy of
Illinois. He works for an Architecture company and can take more
responsibility for his designs. For example, he doesn't just layout the
building and design all the architectural elements, and then pass it off to
an engineer to design the structural elements. He can do both himself. And
he does some pretty cool other things. Last year he was hanging off
buildings in downtown Chicago checking out their structural integrity!

Even if you don't go for both, its a very good idea to take a class or two
in the other field to have an appreciation for what the people you would be
working with do. Engineers and architects work together to create these
buildings, the most valuable architect understands what the engineers do and
vice-versa.