What made you interested in choosing on being an Architectural Engineering Manager for your career choice?

I'm going to answer this from an 'Engineering Manager' perspective :)

There are a multiple factors that could influence this choice in your future career. But I think it definitely comes down to experience, change and your interest in commercial acumen.

Experience & Change:

When you have worked in a technical/operational role for a significant time period and you're competent in your day-to-day work. You may naturally begin to to think outside the box and navigate towards strategy, business outcomes and thus shifting towards the 'management' type role. Being an Engineering Manager isn't made for everyone, but it is definitely an option for those looking to take more responsibilities over people/projects and for those who are a natural team player.

Commercial Acumen:

In my experience, I wasn't interested in being business savvy when I finished University! I just wanted to graduate as quickly as possible, and learn new skills in my new role to build my resume. However, the more experience I acquired, my awareness for commercial acumen had increased with my work maturity. In short, it might be something you pick up down the track of your career.

If you look at the world around you and the incredible legacy that previous generations have left their mark on the modern world with, you'll see architecture. There are absolutely incredible efforts that people have made to leave their love and passion end effect on history. Some have labored with nothing more than love -- not being rewarded with money or accolades within their lifetimes -- to exert herculean efforts to produce some of the most beautiful and astounding creations in the world today.

You'll see some of the most incredible achievements done by humankind that were done simply because the people wanted to impact the world. Architecture is the greatest example of that.

You ask why would anyone be motivated to be involved at all in architecture let alone being someone who would exercise great influence on these endeavors. This is why.