If you work in real estate, construction, or a related field, you’re likely familiar with the many facets of civil engineering and architecture. On the surface, these two disciplines may seem similar. Both involve extensive structural planning, materials handling, and compliance codes. However, when it comes to the nature of their work itself, the paths of civil engineers and architects diverge. If you’re a developer or a contractor, here’s what you should know about their differences. 

How Do Civil Engineering & Architecture Differ? 

Focus

Civil engineering practitioners focus on building and construction. Architects, generally, occupy themselves with aesthetics, design, and specifications for electrical, HVAC, and plumbing systems. A civil engineer deals with the overall structural integrity and suitability of building materials. Architects analyze the building site and interpret a client’s unique needs based on that analysis. For example, if a building is being erected near water, the architect’s design must withstand flooding and water damage.

Relationship

Another key difference between these two disciplines is how they relate. To a degree, civil engineers manage an architect’s work. Their relationship, however, is not one of supervisor and subordinate. Their association is reciprocal. An architect’s design defines a project, and the engineer makes the design tangible. Their relationship is similar to that of the project owner and project manager roles in software development. The architect owns the project, and the engineer manages the work from startup through completion.

If you need a trusted civil engineering firm for your next project, contact family-owned Berling Engineering. For nearly 20 years, businesses, governments, and property owners across Northern Kentucky have relied on this Covington-based company for comprehensive civil engineering services, including project administration, surveying, permitting, and planning. To learn more about this business and to view examples of their work, visit their website. If you have any questions, you can reach a member of the staff at (859) 331-9191.