EKKIST PROFILES
Ekkist appoints Ben Channon to grow its WELL Certification and well-being advisory services
“I am excited to use my knowledge and experience to build on Ekkist’s already renowned work, advising developers and consultants on how their buildings can better support mental and physical health, and exploring the subject further. It is crucial that design supports wellbeing for all of us, something that’s been highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Ben Channon, Director, Ekkist Advisory
Ekkist appoints architect and industry figurehead Ben Channon as Director, to grow the company’s advisory services in wellbeing consultancy and certification.
Formerly Head of Wellbeing at Assael Architecture, as well as being an architect, Ben is also a WELL Accredited Professional, author, TEDx speaker and mental wellbeing advocate. Ben developed an interest in design for mental health, wellbeing and happiness after suffering with anxiety problems in his mid-twenties and questioning how our buildings and lifestyles contribute to our mental health. This led him to research the relationship between buildings and happiness and publish a book, “Happy by Design” on the subject. He went on to qualify as a WELL Accredited Professional, broadening his knowledge to encompass design for physical wellbeing, and joined the WELL Mind Advisory panel as a key contributor in this field.
Ben is a passionate advocate of improving mental health within architecture, and has worked hard to change the working culture and practices in the industry, both in the UK and abroad.
In 2017, Ben co-founded The Architects’ Mental Wellbeing Forum with John Assael. The Forum was borne out of a belief that we as an industry could all improve our understanding of mental health, and subsequently provide better environments for the mental wellbeing of people working in architecture. It is made up of a number of architectural practices who are renowned for their approach to staff welfare. Ben is currently working with a number of practices in Sydney and Melbourne to set up an Australian Forum.
Ben is an ambassador for the Architects’ Benevolent Society, and works closely with the charity to promote their mental health support services. He also speaks to students and professionals about how to balance architecture with good mental health.
Ben will be working on Ekkist’s WELL Certification projects, including some of the first buildings in the UK targeting for the highest levels of WELL and well-being, as well as the Ekkist Design for Well-being® Framework.