3 minute read
Lights, Camera, Design!
Chris Goddard talks about his path to HGTV’s "Design Star: Next Gen".
It truly takes a master interior designer with an eclectic style and attention to detail to capture a client’s needs. Chris Goddard is that emerging star. If you were one of the many that tuned into HGTV’s "Design Star: Next Gen"; you would have seen Goddard as one of the eight designers competing for $50,000.00 cash and a shot at their own television show. This new show is quite exciting as it allows the aspiring; as well as seasoned designers to display their design talents for the viewers and the star-studded judges. The beautiful and talented host, Allison Holker Boss, gives the contestants a design challenge in which they only have a few days to a week to complete. This six-episode series, sponsored by Wayfair, also features head judge Jonathan Adler, designer Lauren Makk, and a roster of celebrity guest experts.
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Chris Goddard and his manager Melissa Banks often clowned around about how he should have his own show. Well, the Design Fairy must have been listening as Melissa started receiving a bunch of emails about this new show where designers compete. Chris made the call and shortly thereafter he was cast for the competition.
Success did not just happen overnight for Chris. This magical journey started over thirty years ago, it took a lot of challenging work and passion for his craft to be so successful and in such high demand. I was fortunate enough to interview Goddard which was quite a task due to his well-deserved popularity and busy schedule with his many clients.
As Goddard was finishing college, he worked in a luxury men’s store where he oversaw visual merchandising. A customer loved his window designs and asked if he could do her bookcases at her home. This chance project led to many opportunities such as designing her main home, corporate offices and multiple projects across the country and globe. Chris stated, “I always believe luck gets you in the door, but talent keeps you in the room.”
Fast forward, Chris is now the Founder and Principal Designer of Goddard Design Group located in Northwest Arkansas. From coast to coast in the United States to many countries abroad; the rm's projects encompass styles from the classically traditional to the ultra-contemporary. Goddard considers his ability to adapt to change as one of his strongest traits. Chris believes that so many creatives get locked into a “look” or “trend;” but his focus has always been on quality and timeless elegance. This allows his design work to stand the test of time and serve as a foundation when a client chooses to update their space. He has always said, “if you’re doing the same thing you were doing three years ago; then you’re doing something wrong. You must always be learning and evolving to stay relevant.”
—Chris Goddard
When asked how the COVID-19 pandemic a ected his interior design business; as well as what hurdles he had to overcome, Goddard replied in an incredibly positive manner.
“The pandemic has brought our design group more work than we expected!” said Goddard. “More people are working from home and have found that they are wanting to invest more in quality, comfortable and multi-use furnishings. While this has been great for interior designers, it has been crazy for vendors and manufacturers.”
They are having difficulty with the huge demand due to limited and/or closed factories. The Goddard Design Group has had to face the challenge of working in client’s homes while maintaining social distancing. They have forged ahead by conducting a lot of business online but nd it so different for them working in a space and getting a feel for the style of their clients.
Chris Goddard is proving to be that shining new star that is missing from the array of design television shows. In 2020, he even won a Designer of the Year award from Interior Design Society. His presence on social media and in interviews seems to be growing leaps and bounds as he is being embraced by fans across the World.
