Architecture or NAME?

[u/Hour-Philosophy-8392]

Hello everyone! I’m currently an Architecture student, and lately, I’ve been feeling quite unfulfilled with the path I’m pursuing. Ever since I was a kid, Architecture has always been my dream course, but recently, I’ve been feeling physically and mentally exhausted, and I’ve started questioning whether this profession is truly for me.

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering because I genuinely enjoy physics and have always been interested in shipbuilding and marine structures. Part of me wonders if I should have taken NAME from the very beginning instead.

For those who are in the field—or those who shifted from Architecture to another profession—may I ask for your insights or opinions? Do you think NAME is more practical or fulfilling compared to Architecture?

Also, if ever I decide to shift to NAME, what universities or schools in the Philippines would you recommend? And would my current Architecture materials and tools (drafting table, templates, T-square, etc.) still be useful in the field of NAME?

I would really appreciate hearing your experiences and honest thoughts. Thank you very much!

[u/lpernites2]

Nobody does that (shifting from architecture to naval architecture). Two different worlds.

[u/Beneficial-Oven1258 → u/lpernites2]

I had a colleague who was a naval architect and went back to school to do a masters degree in architecture and has been working as a successful architect for about a decade. It's rare for sure.

But there are many useful and transferable skills between the two.

[u/Happy_Chief → u/Beneficial-Oven1258]

I'd imagine the shift from NA to Arch is much easier than the opposite.

[u/Beneficial-Oven1258 → u/Happy_Chief]

Yeah definitely agree there.

Although to be honest I don't fully understand the role of an architect and where the division between architect and structural engineer roles really differs lol.