#goddarddesigngroup

[tsgnorthwestarkansas]

Up Close and Personal with International Design Superstar  Chris Goddard of Goddard Design Group

A native Arkansan and University of Arkansas graduate, Chris Goddard, principal designer and owner of Goddard Design Group, is one of Northwest Arkansas’s truly homegrown success stories. This is Chris’s thirtieth year as an interior designer to clients across the globe. Chris got his start by doing windows for a clothing store on the Downtown Fayetteville Square when he was still in college. A woman walking by, admired his work, stopped in and asked for his name. What started as a gig redoing her bookshelves took off into a multi-decade career full of national press, prestigious awards and projects as far away and extravagant as a family compound on the Baja Peninsula and luxury commercial buildings in Shanghai.

Today Chris Goddard runs his design firm, Goddard Design Group, from Fayetteville with a team of six. He splits his projects with about 30 percent here in Arkansas and 70 percent across the country and the globe. All the while, he has stayed true to his one defining philosophy: Storytelling through design. More on that in our interview with Chris, detailed below…

Stay awhile in this custom wine cellar with Turkish daybed illuminated by antique pierced lanterns designed by Goddard Design Group. (photo: Mark Jackson/Chroma)

Your iconic designs really draw us in. Can you tell us about what you mean when you talk about allowing space to tell a story?

Whenever I begin a project, we will come up with a key idea or inspiration to build the space around. Whether it’s a specific color or a family heirloom the client is really drawn to, we begin there. Then we build the entire design around it. I do the same in residential or commercial spaces. So, for example, say you have a fabulous pillow from Morocco that you just fell in love with on a family trip one year. We will pull from that pillow in a livable way and create a room that emphasizes it using color, texture and collections. We want every room to tell a story. People love to speak about their lives and where they’ve been. Rooms designed like this provide the opportunity to spark conversations and talk about all the special items in the space.

So even now with your level of clientele, you encourage them to participate in the process?

Yes! We never do the same thing twice. We never repeat fabrics or color combinations. We don’t have a formula; our formula really is the client. I always tend to suggest things to my clients, rather than tell them what to do. I encourage them to go out and find things on their own. I will leave a big, open space in a room and ask my clients to find something specific that they love, and we’ll use it to fill the space. That gives them a guide and freedom to find what they love. The greatest compliment I will ever receive for my work is if somebody walks into a client’s home and says, “This room is so you” (meaning my client).

Is there a higher purpose you serve through your passion and business?

I have always believed that the more beautiful your environment, the more beautiful your life is. If you surround yourself with beauty, you feel more elevated. This can be in your home, the space where your family grows together, or in your commercial space where you shop and work. Our environments affect our mood, and I like to believe I’m in the business of elevating moods and bringing more beauty into people’s lives.

The signature Morris Sofa from the Goddard Design Group custom furniture line. Design pieces and curated artwork are available at Hubbard Clothing Company in Rogers and Hubbard Denim in Fayetteville. All furniture can be customized. (photo: Mark Jackson/Chroma)

Since we have your attention, we have to ask: Do you have any design tips for our readers?

I’m a firm believer that every room needs to have an antique or something sentimental in it to give it history. I can’t stand a room that doesn’t have a soul. No matter what style your space is in, even if it’s ultra modern, I will always incorporate something old with history, like an old floor or a door. That’s where the story begins.

What is your business's earliest success story?

I remember when I was featured in Architectural Digest. I was really young, about 23. I had just started designing three years before. When I saw that they decided to feature my work, I thought that this was something I could be successful in doing. I ended up getting a lot of national press at a young age. I was on the cover of Traditional Home and Southern Accents, and those features really did a lot to not only boost my name recognition but also to help me believe in my work. What was so fascinating about the process is that it was before computers and digital cameras. We would take photos of our work, then turn them into slides and send them out to different magazines. We would wait by the phone, and the editor would give us a call to interview us, coming back to look at the project in person, and taking more photos. It was a six to eight month process.

That was a totally different time. How did you do your work differently back in the pre-digital days?

Doing my job back then was a little more difficult! I actually had to go to places, visit with artisans. I would travel all over the world looking for the best weavers, best furniture makers, or the best tile. I spent a lot of time talking to other designers in person to ask them which artisans were the best at what. They would tell me who they used for different types of work, and then I’d find that person and go visit with them. It was a different type of research. But it was really important for me to do all that work because back then, Northwest Arkansas was very different too. This was back before I-49. We just had a whole lot of two lane roads, and the economy here hadn’t yet taken off. I would have to bring artisans in from out of state to do tile, granite, and almost every aspect of the job.

Can you share a little known fact about your business with us?

Most people ask me why I chose the bumblebee as my logo. They often assume it’s something pretentious, and ask if it’s a Gucci or a Napoleonic bee! But I chose the bee because it represents perseverance to me. If you look at a bee, it really shouldn’t be able to fly. Its body is so big and its wings are tiny. Nevertheless, the bee flies. For me, the image of the bee is a story about being able to succeed if you try hard enough. It’s about believing in yourself. It’s been my logo for 30 years because of that.

Goddard Design Group’s mid-century modern inspired lounge area served as a focal point and chill space during the 2017 "Stuart Davis: In Full Swing" exhibition at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas.

We love to know how our local legends “live local”. Can you share some of your favorite places to spend your free time in NWA?

I’ve been in Fayetteville for 30 years, since I came here for college. I’m a local guy. And I’ll let you in on a little secret: I love to change other people’s lives but I don’t like to change mine. I like to go where i know everyone and feel comfortable. My favorite places to hang out are Herman’s Ribhouse, Bordino’s and Hugo’s. If I’m out, you can find me at one of those places.

Can you tell us a little bit about your home in Springdale and how you have designed it?

I love everything and my home reflects that! My big motto is if you love it, it goes together. My home is a collection of what I love. I let very few people into my home because it’s a little like falling down the rabbit hole. I believe a designer should keep his or her home a little bit of a secret, so they don’t get locked into one specific look.

The cover of Andrew Martin Interior Design Review Volume 21 from 2017. Goddard Design Group will be featured again in Volume 23 which will be released later this year. Books can be purchased through Amazon or Goddard Design Group.

To say Chris is an international design super star may just be an understatement. Just this year alone, he has been named one of the Top 100 Designers in the World by Andrew Martin Interior Design Review, plus he is the Interior Design Society Designer of the Year. 

Luckily, there are soon going to be even more ways to access Chris’s legendary aesthetic. He has two coffee table books coming out, a line of furniture and his own line of fabrics. We are huge fans of Goddard Design Group’s Instagram, which features snapshots into his glamorous travel and some glimpses into his finished projects. 

How lucky we are to have Chris and his design firm right here in NWA. Reach out to Goddard Design Group (3945 North Vantage Drive, Suite 2, Fayetteville, Arkansas) to create your own design story, whether that’s through a space renovation, a custom design/build for a new home or a commercial project.

[thescoutguide]

"The key to giving a space a sense of history is the mixing of old and new items," says Chris Goddard of @goddarddesigngroup. His winter vision board is inspiring us to bring pieces from both the past and present into our spaces. 📷: @mashburnphoto | @tsgnwarkansas

[coralpainterauthorsports]

Well, it was one of those nights. @diffadallastx @goddarddesigngroup @susanposnickcosmetics @carsonkressley @joegpacetti @j.pacettipreciousjewels (at Omni Dallas Hotel) https://www.instagram.com/shawne.fielding/p/BvGGi0cAbjp/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=8pyjav6rkz2s

[mirondoors]

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Pivot window repost from a few months back! Steel Architectural Series #irondoors #steelwindows #modern #architecture #windowwall #modernhome #contemporaryhome #madeinusa 🇺🇸 #contractor #customhome #builder #manhattan #nyc #homedecor #remodel #homeimprovement #exteriordesign #luxury #newyorkhome #dwell #archilovers #construction #metaldoors #instadesign #homedecor #architecturelovers #doors #steelandglass #windows -----------@irondoors @goddarddesigngroup

[tsgnorthwestarkansas]

#spaceswelove | an architectural masterpiece + amazing work space design from @demxarch and @goddarddesigngroup #livelovelocal #architecture #design #demxarchitecture #interiordesign #interior #interiordesigner #goddarddesigngroup #fayettevillear #tsgnwarkansas #thescoutguide #nwarkansas #commercialdesign #architect

[tsgnorthwestarkansas]

#sneakpeek of one of the coolest places opening soon in #nwarkansas | kudos to @hubbardclothingco + @goddarddesigngroup 👏👏👏 #livelovelocal #fashion #design #hubbardclothingco #rogersar #goddarddesigngroup #fayettevillear #tsgnwarkansas #thescoutguide

[tsgnorthwestarkansas]

#currentlyloving | charred wood aka “soot house” exterior facade by @goddarddesigngroup | this latest trend of “black and burned wood” is inspired by a centuries-old Japanese charring technique + treatment known as “shou sugi ban” or “yakisugi” meaning burned cedar board | we love the deep ebony matte hue + carbonized lava rock-like texture - so so dramatic! #home #design #goddarddesigngroup #fayettevillear #interiordesign #interiordesigner #design #build #exteriordesign #nwadesign #livelovelocal @tsgnwarkansas @thescoutguide #nwarkansas

[tsgnorthwestarkansas]

LIVE. LOVE. LOCAL. in Living Coral: Pantone’s Color of the Year 2019

There’s something so soothing, warm and well, pretty, about this color. According to PANTONE, Living Coral is “an animating and life-affirming coral hue with a golden undertone that energizes and enlivens with a softer edge.; photos (above and below): The Pantone Color Institute

The 2019 PANTONE Color of the Year, Living Coral, has us dreaming of flying off to Acapulco. According to The Pantone Color Institute, PANTONE 16-1546 Living Coral emits the desired, familiar, and energizing aspects of color found in nature. In its glorious, yet unfortunately more elusive, display beneath the sea, this vivifying and effervescent color mesmerizes the eye and mind. Lying at the center of our naturally vivid and chromatic ecosystem, PANTONE Living Coral is evocative of how coral reefs provide shelter to a diverse kaleidoscope of color. 

We checked in recently with local Northwest Arkansas designers, artists and lifestyle influencers to see how Living Coral is serving as an inspiration to their works so far this year. Here’s what these style and design experts had to say. . . 

(Above and below) “I recently traveled to Milan, Italy for a design show in October. This is a cool showroom I stumbled upon while there. The color is not exactly Living Coral, but in the family hue. I have not used it yet with paint, but I have been inspired by this color for the velvets and fabrics to upholster chairs or make great accent pillows”. - LeeAnne Stelte, Whiteline Designs (479.287.4222 | leeanne@whitelinedesigns.com); photos: Caroline Stelte Photography

According to Andrea Cornwell of iSpace Design, as an interior designer the best part of a project is how different colors can affect the mood of the space designed. Coral being a hue of orange adds warmth and energy to any interior space. 

(Above) “What inspires me about this photo is the mix of a warm color (coral) with a cool color (spa blue). The strong and energetic coral turns to a relaxing, and friendly feeling with the blue added. I like how this room makes me rejuvenated like you feel with a journey to the ocean. Living coral is very versatile and can be mixed with many different schemes. My personal favorite is coral paired with aqua (turquoise).”  - Andrea Cornwell, iSpace Design (Fayetteville, AR); photo: The Decorologist Blog

(Above) “We love designing a neutral palette like this soothing spa-like master bathroom then adding a strong pop of energy to the space with original artwork as a colorful (or coral-full) focal point.” - Donna Hanna, Donna Hanna Interiors (1814 North Crossover Road, Suite 3, Fayetteville, AR)

(Above) A beautiful example of coral's “dark and moody” use in design is pictured here in a photo from Dutch designer Kiran Mahes. “Coral gives off such a warmth and energy, it’s inviting to all.” - Nana Winters, Nana Winters Interior Design (Fayetteville, AR); photo: Kiran Mahes Interior

(Above) “This photo is our inspiration for a new Southern project.  For this project we want to embrace color, break away from the white and black that is prevalent right now. We are using vibrant dark coral as our central color and adding in blue and white, as well as leafy green. This home is located on a bluff overlooking a river, and we want to bring the outside colors in. These colors make the home feel alive and inviting!” - Casey Sarkin Interior Design (2686 North Timberglen Lane, Fayetteville, AR); photo: Chinoiserie Chic

(Above) “We love the luxurious, international feel of this master bedroom design accented with touches of the warmer and cooler tones of the living coral family. Mixing a major statement piece, an antique screen, with the fine intricacies of Fortuny Venezia custom quilt bedding and antique textile fragments creates an eclectic vibe.” - Chris Goddard, Goddard Design Group (3945 North Vantage Drive, Suite 2, Fayetteville, AR); photo: @goddarddesigngroup

Floral designer Cindy Stevenson, owner of  Zuzu’s Petals & Gifts (1206 North College Avenue, Fayetteville, AR), inspires us to bring the uplifting color tones of Living Color into our homes with a simple yet sophisticated arrangement of perfect coral peonies.; photo: @zuzuspetalsandgifts

Don’t forget that Living Coral can tie right back into other areas of our everyday lifestyle and that this vibrant shade lends itself beautifully to entertaining. We’re imagining a spring full of coral floral centerpieces, tablescapes and container gardens!

These letterpress fold notes with marble lined coral envelopes from Shindig Paperie (100 West Center Street #5, Fayetteville, AR) make the most memorable stationery to keep your 2019 correspondence on point!; photo: @shindigpaperie

Want to add an artistic punch of coral to your home, office or community? Original artwork is the perfect format to add a vibrant vibe of Living Coral: Camo Coral Bubbles, 2019, by local artist Tiger Sasha.; photo: @tigersasha

Look for fashion and beauty to be channeling pops of Living Coral. We can’t wait to add this brilliant show of coral color to our wardrobe closet and makeup case!; photo (above): The PANTONE Color Institute

(Above) We love seeing a burst of coral integrated into our beauty regime with eye-popping lip colors for spring and summer. Shown is Velour Lip Powder in “New York” by Laura Mercier. Find your perfect coral color palette by booking an appointment for a complimentary makeup session at Glo Limited (577 Millsap Road, Fayetteville, AR).; photo: Laura Mercier

Sure to be this year’s beach essential, this Lost + Wander flounced romper from Label (116 West Central Avenue, Bentonville, AR) has us already planning our summer vacay.; photo: @lostandwander

Crushing on this ruffled hem sundress in color-of-the-moment coral (above) from at Remedy Road (112 West Central Avenue, Bentonville, AR) which we’ll be wearing on repeat throughout the seasons.; photo: @remedyroad

On a recent on-location-shoot-turned-weekend-getaway with global luxury travel advisor Michele MacDonald of The Core Traveler to the resort property Rosewood Baha Mar in Nassau, Bahamas (pictured above), we were ultra inspired by nature’s way of incorporating Living Coral into this flamingo haven aptly named Flamingo Cay (we were in awe of the flamingos’s natural coloring that comes from eating a diet rich in shrimp).; photo: @tsgnwarkansas

We challenge you to notice how often you will discover Living Coral in your everyday surroundings and especially when you travel to certain areas of the world (naturally, it’s a more abundant color the closer you are to the ocean!). 

Get connected to coral by collaborating with our local NWA designers, stylists, creatives (and travel planner!) to learn more about subtle and bold ways you can add a little Living Coral into your personal style and everyday life (think fashion, beauty, entertaining and home design!).

[tsgnorthwestarkansas]

#scouted | they had us at “grey flannel” pooltable 👌| #currentlyloving this handsome laid-back lounge area @hubbardclothingco designed by @goddarddesigngroup | come join us Monday for an opening day toast! 🥂#livelovelocal #hubbardclothingco #rogersar #experiencehcc #luxury #menswear #mensfashion #gentleman #barbershop #lounge #fashion #mensstyle #nwarkansas #shoplocal #custom #clothing

[tsgnorthwestarkansas]

#scouted | the long awaited + much anticipated opening of @mrhubbardclothing’s new men’s lifestyle concept @hubbardclothingco offering All Things Gentlemanly in one of the most handsome spaces ever (thank you @goddarddesigngroup!) | we can’t wait until this #monday at 10am to experience the big reveal and shop some of the most finest things we’ve ever seen!#livelovelocal #hubbardclothingco #menswear #rogersar #men #fashion #style #mensfashion #haberdashery #gentleman #tsgnwarkansas #thescoutguide #nwarkansas #madetomeasure #custom #clothing

[tsgnorthwestarkansas]

So loving today’s @tsgnwarkansas blog: Up Close & Personal with Lisa Vinson from Remedy Road| read more about @lrvinson’s passion for @remedyroad and #livewithpurpose + #shopwithpurpose + #giftsthatgiveback in the link in our profile | @remedyroad interior design by @goddarddesigngroup #livelovelocal #betheremedy #bentonvillear #tsgnwarkansas #thescoutguide #nwarkansas