₦airaland Forum

nmadu1:
What is the duration of the course? 4 or 5yrs?

johnsontade:
Its only a country with improper regulations like Nigeria that an Architect think they can compete with Builders in the construction industry. I’m a Civil Engineer currently working in a building construction company and I’d say i totally agree to the fact that Architects are the first point of contact at the drafting stage or a project but normally don’t have much business on site and DO NOT have the license to construct.

The best they can do is to become client side project managers that attend client meetings and can only supervise at intervals to ensure the work is being done in accordance to the approved drawings and specifications.

A builder on the other hand is fully trained to know the A-Z of buildings in regards to structural calculations, building quantity estimations, procurement, building regulations/compliance's (VERY IMPORTANT), contract administration (payment terms, due dates, completion date, progress claims etc.), site management and construction project management which gives them an huge edge over Architects.

I am currently pursuing a second degree in Construction management degree (Building Technology + Project management) and can categorically tell you that we were taught drafting using REVIT/Archicad alongside the Architecture students in our first year which gives us more edge because we acquired the required skills to design and draft low to high rise buildings in additions to building/construction project management skills.

OP should study Architecture only if he truly has a passion for it…but generally speaking, Building is far more versatile and will open more doors if you’re smart, ready to learn and humble enough to work your way up.

ArcGibson:
I've been reading all the comments and this explains it best. I'm an architect, so make a choice and follow your mind.

Ehimen100:
Both courses are good but what matters is what you passion is and what you want to make out of it.

Building is very similar to civil engineering it's just that your focus is building and not civil works. In terms of job opportunities (where to work) building has more and diverse opportunities than architecture. Even when you choose to practice building (being a building contractor) you are very likely to make more money than people who practice pure architectural consultancy. Also don't forget that architecture in Nigeria today is currently and severely plagued with quacks (draftsmen and untrained people who pretend to be architects and practice illegally) and this has reduced the opportunities of young architects. If you are the kind of guy who like to move and coordinate things, have eyes for details, love building things (construction) and know how to manage people and resources you are in the right profession and on your way to wealth.

On the other hand architecture is a gentle man profession but a very prestigious one. Pure architectural consultancy may not guarantee enormous wealth but it guarantees comfort. If you love the practice of architecture then it guarantees job satisfaction and fulfilment especially when you works are getting built (of course by the builders making all the money). But the real beauty of architecture is that it allows you to do several other things as a result of your architectural knowledge and this is where architecture may surpass building. It's legal for architects to execute design and build projects (the architects designs and builds his designs) but it's illegal for builders to handle architectural design before building.

Read the article to know 19 other things you can do with an architecture degree and knowledge.
http://www.archccess.com/2018/01/19-things-do-with-architecture-degree.html

madgoat:
Seriously you are not a wise people. The person defined architecture for you so that you will see the distinction and possibly advantages of architecture over building but you were trying to give a smart reply. Go and study building and become a glorified bricklayer looking for job up and down like those roadside bricklayers

Oteebaba:
Building is very okay, won't lie to u but can u handle the pressure that comes with in the university cos I finished from unilag with a Bsc in building. I can tell u I know Wat it entails. It's highly paying job Dats if u upgrade urself very with some short professional courses that u have to go learn outside ,I'm talking about AutoCAD 2d and 3d, archicad(not really needed),project management ( u really need this one) with all this brother u are good. Building gives u the opportunity some architect don't have, that's why u see them on site pursuing our job. U can't start working from ur I. T period till u finish unilag and again Wen u finish, before ur nysc, u still get to work for some construction company and dey would surely pay. Brother I have to tell building is a tedious business, it requires brain, strength and ability to make decisions fast, I mean on the spot and those constructions can use builders Hehn but it's for u to get experience from them, after brother, u can always stand on ur own.

Olarch:
I'm saying this not because im architect..but
Architecture is better simply because an architect will design and build wahalalessly but builder can never design nevereless you have just be given one of the best course

saydfact:
I'm an Architect but its not about what course you study, its about you knowing 'your way' - and maximizing your education / knowledge.

The advantage Architecture has over building is my certificate allows me a direct admission to study any advance course in building while a builder cant study an advanced course in Architecture.

eg - If my first degree is in Building, I cant do a masters in Archi; but if I have a first degree in Archi, I can do a masters in Building..... (except the education system has changed and i'm not aware)

In summary: GO FOR BUILDING and be the best builder ever....

kachoski007:
Please carry on with building technology. There is no limit to what you can achieve. I studied the same course and am doing good as well. Just make sure you get a better grade from school and also attach it with professional courses like PMP HSE and maybe Facility management then you are good to go. Work for someone for just a while to gain first hand experience after which you can go ahead to setup your own. The architects will always need you to bring their dreams to reality.remember to always learn the practical aspects. Thanks

martowskin1:
Lucrative indeed, young man, go to school and get educated..... What u make out for ur self is what you get this days, no one looks for lucrative discipline anymore....

The only thing lucrative is what u have in ur brain to offer

silasweb:
Be determined to make it in Life

kachoski007:
Please carry on with building technology. There is no limit to what you can achieve. I studied the same course and am doing good as well. Just make sure you get a better grade from school and also attach it with professional courses like PMP HSE and maybe Facility management then you are good to go. Work for someone for just a while to gain first hand experience after which you can go ahead to setup your own. The architects will always need you to bring their dreams to reality.remember to always learn the practical aspects. Thanks