Interview: HBA Residential's Chris Godfrey on What China's HNWIs Want in Their Ultra-Luxe Homes
Godfrey of HBA Residential explains why China is one of the most appealing places for designing high-end residential properties.
A rendering of a HBA Residential property in Xi'an. (Courtesy Photo)
A rendering of a HBA Residential property in Xi'an. (Courtesy Photo)
Contents
- What is the demand like in the China market for these ultra-high-end luxury projects right now?
- Are your projects more often than not drawing inspiration from local cultures and traditions and using local brands and materials?
- Do you see a lot of art collectors?
- In your experience, are the clients you work with well-informed on what they're looking for and educated on what makes good design?
- What are some design trends that are you noticing among Chinese clients?
- You see a lot more interest in that: the minimalist, simple, clean design, very art-focused, contemporary. Are many of your clients looking for function out of design or design for design's sake?
- Is eco-friendliness more important to Chinese clients these days?
- How do you work with Chinese clients who value
- feng shui
- ?
- It seems like residential clients can have much more flexibility when it comes to these requests.
- You've said that in Asia you feel like you have more freedom compared to London, where there are a lot of limitations in terms of where and what developers can build. Can you elaborate on that?
- Do your current mainland clients have homes in other countries?
- Do you bring in aspects to your designs from big-name luxury brands?
- Are Chinese clients looking for big-name luxury brands in their homes as a status symbol?
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