Andrin Schweizer, the beloved Swiss interior architect and star of SRF’s “Happy Day,” is stepping away from the spotlight to recharge on a month-long journey through New Zealand, Australia, and Shanghai, GlücksPost reported. This marks his first extended break in 18 years, a pause prompted by his partner’s career transition and a deliberate choice to prioritize his well-being following a recent burnout. The trip, which the 56-year-old describes as “almost a bit esoteric, but really just incredibly energizing,” includes stays at beautiful hotels and a conscious effort to disconnect from the demanding pace of his dual careers in television and architecture.
A Rare Pause for the “Happy Day” Veteran
The scale of this journey is exceptional for Schweizer, a figure whose professional life is defined by meticulous planning and constant motion. For four weeks, he is exploring New Zealand and Australia with his partner, Niels Humpert, before concluding their adventure in Shanghai. This extended getaway is a direct response to his partner’s need for a breather after a job change, but it also signals a significant personal shift for Schweizer himself. We are never as happy as when we are traveling together
, he shared, emphasizing their shared passion for relaxation and high-quality accommodations. He even admitted to lugging his measuring tools on the trip, a professional habit that shows how deeply his work is woven into his identity, even during downtime.
The Clinic Offered Him Group Therapy
This deliberate pause comes on the heels of a difficult period for the TV personality. In December 2024, bluewin.ch reported that Schweizer had checked into a clinic to treat a severe burnout, his second in 15 years. At the time, he candidly described his condition to the Ostschweizer Fernsehen (TVO): I was extremely exhausted and had no more joy in my work. I only worked and slept, often up to 18 hours a day.
The experience, which he called a “creeping process” and a personal failure, forced a reckoning. In the clinic, he found solace not in solitude but in group therapy, noting that the mutual support helped him confront the “hard shell” he had unconsciously built over the years. Today, he sets boundaries proactively and has even developed simple coping mechanisms, like taking a moment to peel an orange with both hands to create a brief, uninterrupted pause. This vulnerability, he noted, is a lesson learned, much like his decision to live openly.
The Architect and the TV Star: Two Parallel Worlds
While “Happy Day” has made Schweizer a household name in Switzerland, his primary professional identity is that of a serious architect. In Zurich, he runs a firm with 12 employees that focuses on private homes and hotels. The TV renovations are a hobby for me, something I do on the side
, he explained, adding that this work continues to bring him immense joy. This year, he celebrates a milestone: his 20th anniversary on television. Since the show’s early days as “Tapetenwechsel,” he has been personally responsible for 88 on-screen renovations, a testament to his hands-on approach. I really take care of every detail myself
, he affirmed. For Schweizer, the emotional stakes of these transformations are incredibly high. Each project is a “matter of the heart,” driven by a genuine fear of not meeting the family’s expectations, though the overwhelming joy he witnesses in the completed homes remains deeply moving.
A Quiet Return to Routine
As he enjoys the final days of his holiday from Sydney, Schweizer is looking forward to returning to Switzerland in time for the pre-Christmas season. His approach to the holidays is notably understated; he leaves the festive decorations to his partner, noting, He keeps it quite discreet.
For us, Christmas doesn’t have a very high priority.
