Architects: from burnout to balance

Architects has long worn burnout like a badge of honour—late nights at the desk or computer, juggling tight deadlines, and meeting ever-demanding client expectations. As Architect Magazine recently pointed out, the human cost of this profession is undeniable: unrealistic timelines, gruelling hours, and the increasing emotional toll on practitioners.

A staggering 96.9% of architects reported experiencing burnout in 2021, according to a Monograph survey— a figure that reveals just how widespread and deeply rooted this issue has become. Yet, this crisis often remains unspoken or unaddressed.

We’re trained to manage complexity. Creativity, technical precision, regulations, client relationships—we master them all. But rarely, if ever, are architects taught how to handle the mental and emotional weight that comes with the profession.

As the article highlights, stress, pressure, and emotional fatigue are pushing many to the brink. But what if, instead of waiting for burnout to break us, we anticipated it—and acted before it takes hold?

Burnout doesn’t usually start with physical exhaustion. It begins with over-identification, perfectionism, and a sense of isolation. One of my clients put it best:

"I didn’t even realise how much pressure I had normalised until I had space to reflect. Coaching gave me permission to pause—and a toolkit to move forward with more intention."

If I decided to focus my coaching specifically on architects, it's because, through personal experience, observations, and conversations with clients, I’ve seen how deeply this profession needs support. From the very start of our training, subtle beliefs take root—leading many to accept overwhelming stress as “just part of the job.” But it doesn't have to be.

Burnout in architecture is not a side note. But with growing awareness comes real opportunity. A culture in need for change—even if it doesn’t know it, or accept it, yet.

Yes, firms can shift the culture—if they truly commit to it.

But individuals don’t have to wait or hope for a change from the outside.

You can reclaim your time, your health, and your purpose—if you give yourself permission to try, and believe that change is possible.

Burnout won’t disappear overnight and you should not expect to change the industry by yourself, I surely don't. But by redesigning our own professional values and lives, we can begin to build something more sustainable—for ourselves and, by extension, for our profession.

Architecture is about shaping environments that support life. Shouldn’t our work and environments support our lives too?

It’s not easy. But it’s possible.

I know this shift is possible—because I’ve experienced it firsthand. So have many of my clients. Some reached a breaking point. Others recognised the signs early and chose to act. But they all shared something in common: they were tired of pretending everything was fine—while colleagues around them walked through their days like zombies, numbed by pressure and routine.

Some situations may require medical support. But many don’t—and in those cases, coaching can offer a powerful, proactive alternative.

Coaching is about anticipating cracks before they deepen. It’s a small, steady act of resilience—and restoration.

Many professionals still aren’t quite sure what coaching is—or they confuse it with therapy, consulting, or other forms of support. That’s perfectly normal.

In a previous article, I explained the distinctions in more detail. But if you're curious to explore it for yourself, I invite you to take the first step.

Let’s talk.

Book a free preliminary session. Whether you're interested in learning more about the process or would like to share your personal situation, I’m here to listen—no pressure, just presence.

If this resonates with you—or you’re simply curious—get in touch. I’d be honoured to hear your story and support you on your path.

Giada