Work-Life Balance in Architecture

"Igea Troiani’s ‘Work-Life Balance in Architecture: Playing the Game’ combines a chastening rehearsal of what is already known —but all too often covered up—about the education and practices of architects, with a wide-ranging exploration of tactics that could change our own practices or those affected by them. Both political and practical, this book makes the tacit ‘rules’ of this game explicit, allowing students, educators and practitioners to play better or differently, and to challenge the structural, institutional frameworks behind these rules."

Stephen Walker, Professor of Architectural Humanities, University of Manchester.

"It was heartwarming to see the photo on the cover which, in many ways, captures so much about my close relationship with my father. The topic of your book really hit home as a daughter of an architect (Moshe Safdie) and a mother of three children. I spent much of my childhood immersed in architecture as a way for my father to spend time with me. Being married to an architect has made a work/life balance a constant challenge and a frequent subject in our lives…."

Taal Safdie, Principal,Safdie Rabines Architects.

"This book totally understands its audience - those who are thinking of going into architecture, or moving to a different architectural office, or searching for a different type of work – and describes exactly why they should have no illusions about finding a personal calling. As Troiani lays out with a masterful combination of intimate detail (much of practice in the UK is laid bare and Margaret Thatcher skewered) and theoretical expansiveness (Michel Foucault, David Harvey, Jonathan Crary, and Zygmunt Bauman are called upon), the profession’s neoliberal turn is shown to stack the game of architectural life against us. It’s not that the book is depressing; it just makes clear that architectural seekers should be alert to the ideological, political, and economic forces that limit personal autonomy. I’m not sure it is a rallying cry for a revolution, but its powerful critique is the ground work for necessary change in our profession."

Peggy Deamer, Professor Emerita, Yale School of Architecture and a founding member of The Architecture Lobby.

"This book is a timely reminder to reject the capitalist imposition that requires we measure our worth by metrics of productivity and career progression. It reminds us that sometimes the most daring act of resistance is to simply exist, and that we can start resisting by reclaiming the ‘life’ in the work/life balance."

Kudzai Matsvai, Building Design.

"There are some great insights in the book about the future of architecture, especially how we might evolve to prioritise well-being and inclusivity. Leaders in architecture can play a significant role in this evolution by fostering empathy, advocating for sustainable practices, and teaching young architects to navigate the “game” of architecture with strategy and purpose. Work-Life Balance in Architecture: Playing the Game is a powerful reminder to seek not only career accomplishments but a life well-lived and well-balanced."

Rebecca Moore, Principal and Sector Leader for Health and Science, architectus.