Mike LaValley AIA, LEED AP's Linkedin Analytics

Architects, Your work matters. But so does your mental health. 🧠 — The all-nighters, the impossible deadlines, the pixel-perfect presentations at dawn—I’ve lived through them all, watching colleagues drop from burnout while firms casually replace them. After 16 years in this profession, I’ve witnessed too many brilliant minds dim under the weight of unsustainable expectations. The statistics are alarming: a 2021 Monograph survey found that nearly 97% of Architects experienced burnout, with working overtime being the leading cause. Today, we’re starting a conversation many firms avoid: how to practice architecture without sacrificing ourselves. We’ll explore: 🔵 The current mental health landscape in architecture 🔵 Warning signs your creative mind might be in danger 🔵 How the profession normalizes harmful practices—and why that needs to change Let’s redesign how we design. — In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re diving deeply into how Mental Health impacts Architects—providing practical tools to navigate stress, establish healthy boundaries, and ultimately rediscover meaning in their creative work. Welcome to the 4-part Series, The Blueprint for Resilience: An Architect’s Guide to Mental Well-being. Part 1 — Acknowledging Mental Health in Architecture (This Week) Part 2 — First Response - Immediate Relief for the Overwhelmed Architect Part 3 — Rebuilding - Creating Sustainable Systems to Manage Archi-Life Part 4 — Flourishing - Moving Beyond Survival to Meaningful Practice 📰 To read this week’s issue and sign up for my free newsletter, “The Resilient Architect,” check out the link below. https://lnkd.in/gPYwkYcu — 👋Hi, I’m Mike. I share ideas like this to help Architects like you build a sustainably-balanced, burnout-resilient Archi-Life. Follow for more.

Architects: We design lasting structures but forget to build sustainable lives. If you're caught in the endless cycle of 2AM revisions and "never again" promises that never stick, I've been there. In my latest newsletter, I share 8 practical systems to transform your architecture practice from constant crisis to sustainable creativity—without sacrificing excellence. Learn how to design your ideal week, manage energy (not just time), and create boundaries that protect your passion. Ready to rework or rebuild your life with the same care you bring to your projects? This is for you👇 https://lnkd.in/gkSDv97K — 👋Hi, I’m Mike. I share ideas like this to help Architects like you build a sustainably-balanced, burnout-resilient Archi-Life. Follow for more.

Sometimes even superheroes (and Architects!) need a sick day. 🤒 — 🔵 Story Time I've always admired Superman's incredible strength and grit to solve any problem. Be it an invading alien army from the deep reaches of outer space or an impervious android powered by his one weakness, Kryptonite. Superman always fought with everything he had and found a way to save the world. In our profession, we think we need to embody that same unstoppable energy, pushing through obstacles no matter what. But this past week, I was reminded of an important truth—I’m not Superman. — 🔵 It’s Spring in Western New York. That means wild fluctuations in weather, heightened allergies, and potential for sickness. I felt that familiar scratching in my throat, the onset of a cold. Before my burnout recovery journey, I would have powered through, potentially making myself sicker and exposing everyone around me. Many of us in Architecture and other creative fields can mistakenly think that resilience means endurance at all costs. But the most resilient Architects know when to step back, recover, and fight another day. And that’s just what I did. — 🔵 Today, I want to challenge that notion and share a healthier perspective. This week we’ll look at: → Practical ways to incorporate self-care into your architectural practice → Why recognizing your limits is a strength, not a weakness → How to identify when it's time to step back Ready to discover your true resilience superpowers? Let's dive in. — 📰 To read this week’s issue and sign up for my free newsletter, “The Resilient Architect,” check out the link below. https://lnkd.in/gkhMn64D — 👋Hi, I’m Mike. I share ideas like this to help Architects like you build a sustainably-balanced, burnout-resilient Archi-Life. Follow for more.

My friend Chris Simmons is running a Personal Branding workshop tailored specifically to AEC pros. This sounds rad as hell and will likely help a lot of fellow Architects out there. Check it out if you want to level up your brand!

Architects: Drowning in deadlines, revisions, and Sunday night anxiety? You're not alone. Our profession normalizes burnout as "just part of the job." I spent a decade thinking constant overwhelm was the price of admission to this career—until burnout hit me personally. In this week's newsletter, I'm sharing 7 emergency mental health techniques that work in minutes, not months. Real solutions for when you're at your breaking point. These aren't just productivity hacks—they're survival strategies. Take your first step toward becoming a Resilient Architect. 👇 https://lnkd.in/gGAVif6R — 👋Hi, I’m Mike. I share ideas like this to help Architects like you build a sustainably-balanced, burnout-resilient Archi-Life. Follow for more.