Godfrey appointed president of interior design body SBID

Chris Godfrey, global principal of HBA Residential, has succeeded Tom Marquardt of Marquardt+ as the new president of the Society of British and International Interior Design (SBID).

Godfrey has become the organisation’s acting president for a 12-month term, beginning on 2 November 2020. We find out more.

Taking up the mantle from Marquardt

An award-winning British architect and designer with over two decades of experience working for a global clientele, Godfrey brings his extensive professional insight to the role, which was previously held by Tom Marquardt, president and founder of Marquardt+ and former vice president of HOK global interiors.

“It is my great honour to be appointed as the president of SBID and to represent the interior design body and its membership on the global stage,” said Godfrey. “I am inspired to take up the role during this particular period of time; where change is a constant, connectivity a challenge; and where proaction and vision are paramount.

“Throughout my career, and particularly in my role with HBA Residential, I have benefited from working internationally and, as a result, have developed an open and global outlook.”

Master of Design

As the recipient of the Master of Design prize at the SBID International Design Awards 2019 for making significant contributions to the global interior design industry, Godfrey is well-placed to champion SBID’s mission to promote and support the profession. It’s hoped that his leadership will also help the organisation steer this constantly changing industry towards financial recovery and long-term growth.

Godfrey continued: “In this new SBID role, I want to use my experiences and lessons learnt working in both the Far East and the West and leverage off a developed network to help improve connectivity; expand awareness; and promote inclusive, cross-border engagement. With new global dynamics comes lots of new opportunities and growth potential.

“Through my endeavours, I would also hope to help inspire the next generation of interior designers who, despite the short-term challenges and uncertainty faced, will continue to take the industry further and wider.”