Ben Channon

I am an Associate at Assael Architecture, where I have worked since 2012. I am an architect and Mental Wellbeing Ambassador at the practice, which has won a number of awards for both design and its approach to staff care. I recently qualified as a WELL Accredited Professional, and now head up Assael’s wellbeing R&D department. We currently have one project pursuing WELL Certification, but part of my role is to encourage other clients to engage with the Standard.

In 2017 I co-founded (and now chair) the Architects’ Mental Wellbeing Forum, which is focused on improving mental health within the industry. I have lectured on wellbeing and architecture at Liverpool and Edinburgh University, gave a TEDx talk on the subject in 2018, and frequently speak to businesses and public bodies about this important topic, ranging from London planning consultants to Auckland Council’s Design Office in New Zealand.

I have also written for a number of UK, Irish and Australian journals and newspapers on this subject (including The Times, The Telegraph, The Architects’ Journal and ArchDaily). My first book ‘Happy by Design: A Guide to Architecture and Mental Wellbeing’ was published in September 2018. It is an investigation into how our environment affects our mood and our mental health.

Finally, I am an accredited mindfulness practitioner with the Mindfulness Association, and a keen cyclist, musician and illustrator.