What would you recommend quantity surveying or architecture?

Question

Im just about to take my A levels and was wondering what would you reccoment out of the 2 options. Also pay figures and more would be helpfull
thanks

Answer 1

Surveyors (Quantity and Building) both get paid more than Architects. Don't waste your time with Architecture. Check this out. Me and a friend started at uni together he did 3 year degree and left for a permanent job as a Building Surveyor. He left uni in 1999. He's now an associate on around 45K plus bonus plus car. I unfortunately studied Architecture and therefore didn't leave uni till 2002. I'm just breaking 30K. Bearing in mind that we both started together, yet I've actually studied for longer and have more qualifications, it looks like he made a smarter decision.

Money's not everything yeah, but in Architecture people will expect you to work for less as there is a general ethos in the industry that people should work for the enjoyment of Architecture. Unfortunately that doesn't pay the bills, and given the amount of debt you will incur at uni on a course this long, you won't be out of debt for ages, if ever.

When I was your age I was wrongly advised by the careers adviser (who usually know absolutely nothing about the actual professions that they are advising on) and would not have chosen this path had I known all the facts. For example, I was told that you MUST have Pyhsics to become an Architect. Wrong. I studies physics instead of Art which I have always loved, and subsequently failed the Pyhsics A'level. When I eventually went to uni through clearing, they told me I need never have taken physics....Oh how things could have been different. Always speak to the uni, forget your college or careers adviser, and always speak to a working professional who actually does the job. They'll hopefully tell you how it really is before you make a decision.

Answer 2

An architect is more responsible and countersigns the job of a quantity surveyor. Therefor it pays more. I suggest you start as a QS and work up to an Architect.

Answer 3

My brother studied for QS but nowadays there's software that does it all quicker/cheaper and thee prices have come right down - regardless he enjoys being an architect more now for the local council.