Designing an attractive building requires the involvement of both professionals, the architects, and the engineers. Both experts work on similar kinds of design projects. So, it might get confusing for you to understand the actual difference between both jobs. That is why the detailed guide to the difference between architect and engineer is here for you.
So, without wasting time, get straight into it!
The Role of the Architects
In simple words, an architect is responsible for creating an environment around us. They are part-artist and part-scientist. They must consider both design and physical structure. The role of an architect is to make plans, models, sketches, and technical maps, either with the help of some computer-aided design (CAD) software or manually.
They arrange some meetings with the clients to get their requirements. And with some other professionals in this field like engineers and designers. On some level, architects might lead or supervise construction projects. However, they are not much involved in the manual tasks of construction projects themselves.
Read also: All You Need To Know About Architecture
The Role of the Engineers
An engineer also handles building designing projects. But they are more focused on execution instead of designing. They are responsible for selecting the right or high-quality materials best to use for a particular design. Then they do the required calculations to ensure structural stability, to check whether these materials fit their project or not. They might give you some advice about making improvements to already existing buildings.
An engineer has a more extensive reach than an architect. They do not work just for buildings but different projects like dams, bridges, or even theme park rides. But there are some common points between both architects and engineers. Like they both create plans and sketches, meet other professionals of the same field. They might get involved with the project management teams.
Read also: Types of Engineering Contracts : The 5 Main Types of Construction Contracts
Difference Between Architect and Engineer: Architects Vs. Engineers
An architect usually designs structures for houses, offices, factories, buildings, and even malls. They are responsible for making layouts for both the interior and exterior. The job requires a lot more rather than just creativity. Also, an architect has to arrange meet-ups with clients to find out what they want. An architect estimates the budget and time of the construction project too. Many architects did specialization in a subfield, like in interior design, landscape design, etc.
On the other hand, the engineers work with the architects. But for a provided architectural design, an engineer finds out the correct structure that supports the design layout. That incorporates designing some mechanical systems, deciding where the load-bearing stuff goes and handling the lighting & electrical systems.
In simple words, the role of an architect is more on the creative side, but the role of an engineer is on the mechanical/technical side. An architect is more concerned about the appearance and the structure, whereas an engineer is responsible for the project structure.
Architect vs Engineer: Bottom Line
There is an overlap between both jobs. But the main difference is that an engineer does not have to do much with the project’s final look. That is the job of an architect. Architects don’t require in-depth knowledge of physics or mathematics. Still, basic knowledge is a must. However, in the end, it is an engineer’s job to find out how to keep a building safe and upright.