Architectural Engineer

2342 Words5 Pages

Architectural Engineer

An architectural engineer designs structures such as houses,

skyscrapers, and bridges based on his knowledge of materials and how

they handle forces.

I. Introduction

A. History

B. Definition

II. Education

A. Suggested high school education

1. General subjects

2. Types of people

B. College

C. Post-College

1. Internship

2. Becoming registered

III. Employment

A. Specialization

B. Acquiring a job

C. The building industry

IV. Structures

A. Cottages

B. Solar houses

C. New Jersey Aquarium

V. Conclusion

Architectural engineers are in demand wherever buildings are being

designed or constructed (“Architectural Engineer/Career Opportunities” 1).

The building industry is the largest single sector of the U.S. economy; it

expands with the continually expanding economy. As new technologies

and materials evolve, the need for better skilled architectural engineers

evolves. Greater complexity leads to increasing fields in specialization

(Belcher 7-8).

The tradition of an individual being the sole creator of a building was

carried on by architects until the 19th century and the rise of industrialized

iron. When the technology for applying steel became too complex to add

to a person’s other knowledge about buildings, architects were forced to

work alongside of steel experts, or civil engineers. A need became

apparent for people whose sole professional focus was on the design of

buildings, but whose education as engineers afforded them mastery of the

technologies and materials involved in structural, mechanical, and electrical

systems (Belcher 1).

Architectural engineering is a profession which focuses on the

problem-solving techniques of the engineer toward the design and

construction of a safe, economical building (“Architectural Engineering/

General Information” 1).

The U.S. has about 65,000 licensed architects. Only a few are

women, but the number is rising rapidly (“Architecture Careers” 634). The

National Society of Architectural Engineers (NSAE) arose as the career

became more important to American society. The NSAE is the professional

society devoted to the promotion of, and the dissemination of information

about, archit...

... middle of paper ...

...ehumidified air (Belcher 7-8).

The job of an architect is never boring because of the different

challenges that are encountered daily. He never knows what he will

encounter and every day is different because no project is alike another.

Some days may be slow because a project may be slow, but the excitement

never lessens as he gets to see his creation come into reality.

Works Cited

“Architecture Careers.” The World Book Encyclopedia, 1999.

“Architectural Engineering/Career Opportunities.” July 15, 1999,

<http://esig2.uwyo.edu/architectural/archcareer.html> January 10, 1999.

“Architectural Engineering/General Information.” July 15, 1999,

<http://esig2.uwyo.edu/architectural/generalinfo.html> January 10, 1999.

Belcher, Clay M. “What is Architectural Engineering?” June 19, 1996,

<http://energy.arce.ukans.edu/wwwvl/whatarce.html> January 31, 2000.

Cottages. Tucson, Arizona: Home Planners, 1998, p. 7-25.

Cox, Steve. (personal interview). February 16, 2000.

Home Plans for Solar Living. Tucson, Arizona: Home Planners, 1989, p.

17-22.

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