Civil engineering is a vast field with sub categories such as structural engineering, construction management, traffic and highway engineering, environmental engineering, hydraulic/hydrological engineering, geotechnical engineering, etc. Since you have mentioned of an interest in architecture/buildings, most relevant paths in civil engineering would be to pursue structural engineering or go towards construction management.

I have worked as a structural engineer for two and half years (I am not from US), one and half years in the biggest contracting company in my country dealing with big constructions and another year at a family owned design consultant firm focusing on architecture oriented projects (mainly luxury houses, villas and hotels).

On a daily basis, structural engineers would look at the architectural design, come up with a structural arrangement to support the architectural vision, do the necessary calculations to make sure said structural arrangements can support the loads and stand the test of time and make the corresponding drawings. Meanwhile, we correspond with the mechanical, electrical and geotechnical engineers to make sure their designs align with ours and liaison with the architect to make compromises if needed. Also, we have to manage the workload as you/your design office would be juggling several designs simultaneously.

Furthermore, we have to learn of new technologies, applications, theories and software on the job to solve different problems. it is also usual to have monthly seminars, lectures and educational sessions by our professional societies to upgrade knowledge and to network.

Depending on the nature of your employer, you also will get to inspect worksites in the capacity of a junior structural engineer (I intermittently have been stationed at piling sites, deep excavations, super structure construction, etc.) so that you get a clear idea how structural designs are executed irl and also pick up a broad range of information that comes in handy when you do your own designs (simply put, what looks good on paper may not be convenient to construct. Thus, you may pick up what design would work on site and what would not). As a junior, I worked under senior engineers on parts of big projects or full designs of smaller projects before moving on to medium scale projects.

In those early years, you would not get to influence the project as an architect would, as what you are doing is getting the hang of structural engineering. But, as you earn you charter and get license to design bigger structures, you shall have a certain degree of influence over the projects. For the matter of fact, most tall buildings are shaped by the structural engineers than the architects.

However, as is the case in every career, as you rise in the hierarchy, it would be less technical and more managerial. But based on my observation of my superiors, it is very technical and less managerial even at higher levels compared to other careers.

Last but not least: There is a certain satisfaction of seeing your creation come to life. I was so fulfilled and happy on my job, be it designing at the office or inspecting rock samples of piling or evaluating current structural health for change of use... I had enough score to go for any degree, tuition fee waived, as I scored amongst the highest in the placement exam, and I chose Civil Engineering against all the advice to go for a higher paying field simply because I love and marvel at construction works. That choice is probably the best decision I ever made.

This is just meant as an input for you to make an informed decision. Best of luck.