Insights from Frven Lim on Architecture and Mental Health
In the latest episode of The Healthy Home Show, I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Frven LIM a man whose journey from award-winning architect to wellbeing coach and author of Happier Architects is as inspiring as it is refreshingly honest.
We talked about everything from burnout to bedrooms, from ego to empathy, and even the underrated spiritual joy of doing the washing up (yes, really).
Here are the biggest takeaways from our chat—and why this conversation is relevant far beyond the world of architecture.
From Buildings to Burnout: Frven’s Journey
Frven spent 25 years in architecture, climbing the ranks and doing everything “right” by conventional standards. But as many of us can relate, the pressure to perform and please eventually spiralled into chronic anxiety and, later, clinical depression—exacerbated by the isolation and uncertainty of lockdown.
His recovery led to a revelation: architecture isn’t just about buildings—it’s about people. And the people doing the building need to be well, happy, and supported if we want spaces that actually nourish us.
Why Our Homes Matter So Much
One of my favourite insights? That the three most crucial zones in a home are the Dining room (D), Kitchen (K) and the Zone for sleep (Z)—what Frven calls the D-K-Z Model. If those aren’t working, neither are we.
Lockdown reminded us of this the hard way. Confinement highlighted how deeply our physical environments affect our mental states. And while some of us reorganised our pantries or feng shui-ed the bedroom, others realised how many so-called “designer homes” just don’t function well for real, human life.
We now spend more than 90% of our lives indoors. That’s a sobering thought when you consider how many homes lack adequate daylight, ventilation, or proper acoustic separation!
Mental Health in the Creative Industries
Frven bravely opens up about the specific challenges of being in architecture: the ego, the relentless pursuit of perfection, the pressure to look like you’ve got it all together—even when you’re falling apart.
“Architects are trained to defend their ideas,” he said. “But who teaches them to defend their wellbeing?”
This hit home. Because it’s not just architects. It’s all of us navigating industries that reward hustle and appearance over rest and authenticity.
What Makes a Healthy Bedroom?
If we spend roughly a third of our lives in bed (more if we include tossing, turning, and doom-scrolling), shouldn’t our bedrooms support us?
Frven recommends designing this space as a true sanctuary, focused on just three things: Sleep, Reading, and Sex. That’s it. No spreadsheets, no TV marathons, no eBay scrolling at 1am.
Top tips:
Invest in blackout curtains—if you can still see your hand in front of your face at night, it’s too bright for melatonin production.
Maintain good air flow—no point having the perfect paint colour if you’re inhaling stale air.
Ditch the distractions—your phone does not need to sleep next to you.
Coaching for the Creatives
Now working as a life and career coach (with a soft spot for architects), Frven uses mindfulness, journalling, and gentle accountability to help people reconnect with themselves.
Because …..“If you’re not happy, you can’t be creative. And if you’re not creative, you’re not productive. So if you want to succeed… get happy first.”
It sounds simple. But as we discussed, most of us know what we should do for our health….we’re just not actually doing it.
Designing a Happier Housing System
We closed our chat talking about the broader issues in UK housing …how our obsession with homeownership, upsizing, and problematic planning processes is stalling healthier, more equitable development. Frven suggests we need:
More diversity in housing types (e.g., co-housing for elders or communal spaces for young professionals)
Policy incentives for downsizing, especially with so many spare bedrooms sitting unused
A shift from ego-driven design to human-centric, wellbeing-first architecture
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re designing buildings or just your own better lifestyle, remember:
Wellbeing & Happiness Through Architecture and Design – Frven’s first book, exploring how buildings can (and should) support mental health
Happier Architects – His latest, buffet-style guide full of practical prompts, stories, and inspiration for designing a more joyful life
Or check out more information on Frven’s ‘ Academy for Happier Architects’ or his coaching services through ‘ Wellbeing and Happiness through Architecture and Design’ via the link below.
If you enjoyed hearing Frven’s insights on designing for happiness and wellness and want to learn more; You can dive into all 12 main concepts that create a Healthy Home and Lifestyle on my website – www.charlielemmer.com
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Be WELL
Charlie x
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