In my architectural career, maintaining work-life balance while meeting client demands requires clear boundaries and efficient workflows. Communicating timelines and expectations prevents last-minute disruptions. Using tools like Asana or BIM platforms enhances efficiency, reducing overtime. Delegating tasks and leveraging AI design aids, like generative design software, streamline workloads. Scheduled “focus blocks” ensure productivity, while gamified self-care apps track personal goals and well-being. This balance fosters sustained creativity and long-term professional and personal fulfillment.

At the very early stages in my career, this was quite a huge problem. Clients would hand me unrealistic deadlines and because of the fact that I wanted to maintain a particular quality to my projects, I would have to sacrifice my own personal time. Some years down the line, I admit that might have helped in building my speed and pace of work but at the same time, I see better ways to solve this problem. 1. Set out project deadlines at the start: Make sure to set realistic project deadlines and communicate them effectively with the client 2. Have a design workflow: Having a workflow would not hinder your creative workflow but rather eliminate time wasting processes 3. Learn, Unlearn, Relearn: There are ways to be balanced, be open to learn.

By managing client expectations and a structured routine, it’s possible to maintain a healthy work-life balance. - Communicate clear timelines and expectations with clients upfront. - Plan your day with dedicated work hours and breaks for personal time. - Set boundaries to avoid overworking while ensuring client satisfaction.

I believe, setting clear end goals and backtracking to estimate the necessary hours is an effective strategy for time management, ensuring daily tasks align with long-term objectives. This not only keeps you on track but also helps avoid late hours, promoting a healthier work-life balance. Achieving this balance is key to engaging fully in both work and personal life. Acknowledging the challenges of burnout early in your career is valuable, as it’s something many face. Using those experiences to develop leadership skills and better manage your team highlights your resilience and growth. Tough phases often lay the foundation for future success, both personally and professionally.

Na minha experiência como arquitecto, assim como orçamentista na construção civil, é possível, sim, manter um equilíbrio profissional e pessoal, embora nem sempre a 100%, pois o tempo muitas vezes actua como uma variável nesse equilíbrio. Aprendi que certas demandas exigem uma gestão de tempo mais eficiente, tendo em conta o cliente e a urgência do projecto. Projectos de grande impacto e interesse exigem maior entrega, o que obrigou-me, em inúmeras situações, a fazer mais com menos tempo. Em resumo, quem actua na área da arquitectura consegue manter uma vida saudável entre trabalho e casa, partindo do princípio de que haverá momentos mais calmos e outros de maior intensidade ao nível do trabalho. Prioridade e gestão do tempo é chave.