oofjm:
thanks...I'm not asking for the definition of architecture.

Am a graduate of building,
In Building, you chances in the labour market are high, you can work in An Architectural firm, a building firm and a civil eng. firm, In Nigeria as a Builder, you are an architect, a Building engineer and a Civil engineer, i mean in this developing country. But in architecture, its not so, because i gat friends among them. U can ask another expert. This is Just an advice from my little thiny experience.

oofjm:
I love to study architecture,but now I am been given building to study in one of the federal university.how lucrative is building compare to architecture with Nigeria current economic situation...need your candid advice.

Am a graduate of building,
In Building, you chances in the labour
market are high, you can work in An
Architectural firm, a building firm and a
civil eng. firm, In Nigeria as a Builder, you
are an architect, a Building engineer and a Civil engineer, i mean in this developing
country. But in architecture, its not so,
because i gat friends among them. U can
ask another expert. This is Just an advice
from my little thiny experience. Thanks

handsomeclouds:
I think building is more of Polytechnic course... B.Sc... You will still be a bricklayer
Summarily while architects sit to design plans under aircondition... bricklayers execute those plans under the sun

You think so? Am a builder and i sit and do my building drawilngs under AC.
If you dont know, there is really cool cash in building sites, there is no money in drawing. Some builders can draw more than some architects in Nigeria and will still make up to 500k in a week from sites activities and will keep making money until the building project is completed. stop assuming.

Funny when I heard sme1 saying dat Architects will b dragging site wit d builder. In the first place, under contract execution we done have builder in the chain of contract processes. The chain is Architect-civil engr-electrical n mechanical engr-quantity surveyor. Pls my broda as far as Nigeria is concern, Architect have the upper hand. The work of the builder has been solve to the mason.

if I want to set up a cooperate construction firm, these are the people I will need.
1)architect
2)structural/civil engr
3)quantity surveyor
.
.
.
lots of qualify masons
I don't need a builder, they are mostly crooks that love to backstab other professionals

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

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

thanks

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

thanks

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....

thank you

hurricaneChris:


Dragging site with a builder?
Lol. Only in Nigeria will an architect "drag site" with a builder.

What are they dragging?
Not even a civil engr drags site with an architect let alone a builder.

Abeg no mind these people. Even in the Abuja he is talking of do are builders among the recognised professionals in development control unit of fct?

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

thank you

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.

thanks

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

bros I am not going to school to be successful bt to grab an opportunity...I'm not been smart with my reply,I'm only asking for advice because I know what architecture entails...because that's what I applied before given building... so u should not insult me.

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

appreciate thanks

Hey, pls study building. That's the best course you can ever study compared to Architecture. I studied building too. U will know how to design, construct and plan for a project from beginning to the end. Building is all about building production and management. As a builder you can design your buildings yourself although that's the work of the architect. You can be a quality manager, facility manager, construction manager, cost manager, health and safety manager. All will be taught within the space of 5 years. Pls learn all you can. God bless U

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

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

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.

yea I noticed that,thank you very much sir

cupid0:


That's a blatant lie. An architect heads the construction team. If I don't employ you to work for me, you won't.

You make a mistake, I tell you to knock it down and rebuild it with your money.

I prepare the tender of your payment. if I don't, you won't be paid.

Don't underestimate the power of an architect

Who do you employ. Is it your fathers project or à clients. You cant employ me. I know my job and do it well. Your design is à dream, i make it à reality.
You design, you know little about construction. You dont even know what grade 20 concrete is. You dont even know what water cement ratio can do.
I have worked with alot of Architect they perfectly understand where their job ends and where mine starts. I done have to argue with you.

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.

Grab this golden opportunity

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.

thank you sir...have been admitted to building already

elhafeez:

Who do you employ. Is it your fathers project or à clients. You cant employ me. I know my job and do it well. Your design is à dream, i make it à reality.
You design, you know little about construction. You dont even know what grade 20 concrete is. You dont even know what water cement ratio can do.
I have worked with alot of Architect they perfectly understand where their job ends and where mine starts. I done have to argue with you.

It's because in Nigeria, clients by pass the architect because they want to cut cost.

In saner climes, the client comes to my office, gives me the brief. After designing, I assemble my team in which you are involved.

You build, I supervise. You make a mistake, it's corrected by me. During the preparation of payment tender, I deduct the cost of your mistake and pay you the rest. If I don't prepare that tender, you won't be paid.

The earlier you realize that, the better for us all.

cupid0:


Do you think it's by knowing CAD?

So you think it's by knowing how to design residential buildings?

Can you comfortably design an institutional building inculcating the three concepts of design? Hell no you can't.

please stick to your dams, bridge and road construction.

savage!!!.... dey don't knw wat architecture is abt or wat we do

CHUKWUNOLOGICAL:


You think so? Am a builder and i sit and do my building drawilngs under AC.
If you dont know, there is really cool cash in building sites, there is no money in drawing. Some builders can draw more than some architects in Nigeria and will still make up to 500k in a week from sites activities and will keep making money until the building project is completed. stop assuming.

who is dis 1... so u hv ever made 500k in a week cos na u get d structure na... b4 u finish d structure u go doak At least 5million... yeye dey smell

FerrytimCharis:
Hey, pls study building. That's the best course you can ever study compared to Architecture. I studied building too. U will know how to design, construct and plan for a project from beginning to the end. Building is all about building production and management. As a builder you can design your buildings yourself although that's the work of the architect. You can be a quality manager, facility manager, construction manager, cost manager, health and safety manager. All will be taught within the space of 5 years. Pls learn all you can. God bless U

'as a builder, u can design ur building'
do u even know d concept of design?
oh how I wish u are close to me so I can give u a simple brief n see how you will go abt it

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.

if truly u re a civil engr. as u claim, then its surprising and sympathetic how u can stand so low and claim dt a builder can effortlessly do d job of a civil engr.
am an Architect, so I will speak for myself. having d knowledge of autocad/revit doesn't make u a master designer(architect). because autocad is just a computer aided software that enables u draft with d computer instead of hand drafting.
Perhaps u re working with draft men in your so called organizations that makes you belittle an Architect.
in a sane country like dubai or usa or uk, do u think a builder can stand a utter a word where an Architect is?
lastly, have you watch the making of burj arab hotel? if not, pls do, that will help u alot in distinguishing d roles of professionals in high tec construction

cupid0:


Do you think it's by knowing CAD?

So you think it's by knowing how to design residential buildings?

Can you comfortably design an institutional building inculcating the three concepts of design? Hell no you can't.

please stick to your dams, bridge and road construction.

Hey, I'm not here to quarrel with u.
I've built a hotel, I designed it.
I've built a catheral church, I designed it.
A double 4 storey building is now ongoing in anambra, I designed it.
Need to say more?
I've also sold so many building plans.
Architecture is a course that should be merged into building or even civil engineering

wtfcoded:

Hey, I'm not here to quarrel with u.
I've built a hotel, I designed it.
I've built a catheral church, I designed it.
A double 4 storey building is now ongoing in anambra, I designed it.
Need to say more?
I've also sold so many building plans.
Architecture is a course that should be merged into building or even civil engineering

Sweetheart I'm not quarreling with you. Your brags are only possible here in Nigeria.

That you did all that doesn't make you an architect, rather it makes you a quack who doesn't know his role in the building industry.

arcike:



who is dis 1... so u hv ever made 500k in a week cos na u get d structure na... b4 u finish d structure u go doak At least 5million... yeye dey smell

Its not my fault if you are too dull to understand. Your reasoning faculty is empty, very empty

wtfcoded:

Hey, I'm not here to quarrel with u.
I've built a hotel, I designed it.
I've built a catheral church, I designed it.
A double 4 storey building is now ongoing in anambra, I designed it.
Need to say more?
I've also sold so many building plans.
Architecture is a course that should be merged into building or even civil engineering

go and merge it oga merger.
you think it's all about listening to music and drawing lines in d studio?
for your info architecture students study structures and building construction for 3-4 years in undergraduate school alone but we don't brag about it. and most reason architects don't depends structural works is because we have a 10credit load course in design studio (which is d highest in all university courses)

ba7man:
I'm an architect and if I ever come across your design, I'll rubbish it because I know better than you.

I've met a lot like you and I see holes in whatever they do, they can only impress an ignorant client, not an architect or an experienced client.

Same way I'll never come argue Civil engineering with you since you'll know more than me in your field .

As a civil engineering student I studied architecture two three semesters. That's enough background bro. Even as an architect that you are some design pass you by far, after all Nigerian designs are basically typical.

pafek:

if truly u re a civil engr. as u claim, then its surprising and sympathetic how u can stand so low and claim dt a builder can effortlessly do d job of a civil engr.
am an Architect, so I will speak for myself. having d knowledge of autocad/revit doesn't make u a master designer(architect). because autocad is just a computer aided software that enables u draft with d computer instead of hand drafting.
Perhaps u re working with draft men in your so called organizations that makes you belittle an Architect.
in a sane country like dubai or usa or uk, do u think a builder can stand a utter a word where an Architect is?
lastly, have you watch the making of burj arab hotel? if not, pls do, that will help u alot in distinguishing d roles of professionals in high tec construction

@pafek
I am not going to say much so it doesn’t seem like I’m bragging. I currently live and work in Australia and we share a very similar system with the UK. I said I studied Civil Engineering but didn’t say I practice as one.. I am currently working in a building construction firm as a project coordinator and only stating how is it being done here.

I never said Architects aren’t important but was trying to clarify that Architect DO NOT have the license to build…simple. They design, liaise with the client and follow up at different stages of the project but the ultimate power to construct lies on the building contractor because they have a better understanding of the overall building process from A-Z ranging from Earthworks, masonry, concreting, roofing in addition to the local governmental council requirements, managing material, labour and equipments in additions to ensuring work health and safety alongside the HSE officer/personnel.

This is how a typical building process(commercial/high rise residential) works here for your understanding:

1. The client/owner meets with a Project management firm and states what they want.

2. An Architectural firm either in house or external is consulted to design according to the clients vision/needs.

3. The design is reviewed and then passed on to the engineering consultants for design and analysis. Architects design so many fancy stuffs to impress the client but engineers do the necessary structural analysis using the appropriate building standards to ensure the Architects design is structurally fit and flag the impossible designs that aren’t structurally possible(if any). Other tests/investigations such as geotechnical & environmental will also be carried out and the results will also be used for the analysis (especially for the foundation design).

4. If the design is approved and necessary documentations (specifications, geotechnical reports, environmental council approvals etc. ) have been done, its then stamped by the registered engineer and passed back to the client who then invites interested/selected building contractors to tender (to ensure its free and fair unlike the naija way).

5. Tenders are reviewed and the contract is awarded to the contractor with the best tender after necessary negotiations and meetings.

6. After the Construction work has started…the Architect and the design engineers only visits site from time to time to inspect and ensure there are no discrepancies but the Builder/construction project manager working for the contractor is the main guy that runs the site all through the construction phase.

That is how it is done here.

Cheers