Society of Garden Designers announces new chair
The Society of Garden Designers (SGD) has announced Andrew Duff MSGD as its new Chair, continuing the role he has held jointly with Lynne Marcus MSGD since September 2022.
As Lynne steps down after her three-year tenure, Andrew will be taking the role on single-handedly and will be supported by the SGD Council including John Wyer FSGD, who continues his role as Vice Chair and Treasurer.
Andrew is a Registered Member of the Society and has been a Director on the SGD Council since January 2018, during which time he has held the positions of Member for Education, Vice Chair and Co-Chair. An internationally recognised garden designer, Andrew has been designing gardens for over 30 years both in the UK and internationally. In addition to running his practice, he is also Managing Director of the world-renowned Inchbald School of Design.
Speaking of his former Co-Chair, Andrew said: “Lynne has helped forge a transparent council and has a remarkable way of making people feel at ease by bringing out their best potential. Whether you have met her at a conference, a CPD event or show, you will understand when I say Lynne always has the members in her heart. I will personally miss her contributions as her co-chair but am delighted that she continues to support the Society as Chair of the SGD Awards.”
Acknowledging her role in pioneering the Society’s hugely successful ‘Say No to Plastic Grass and Plants’ campaign in 2022, Andrew said he hopes to continue her work positioning the Society as thought-leaders within the industry and to forge stronger links with other professional bodies, sharing both resources and knowledge.
About the future he said: "As the industry continues to move forward with purpose and professionalism, the SGD has some exciting times ahead, not least with the continued development of our CPD and training, putting our members needs at its heart; the adaptation of our accreditation process, to meet the needs of our new student members; and a pathway to graduate membership, supporting those at the very start of their journey. I feel immensely privileged to have been given the responsibility of taking on the role of Chair and look forward to building on these and more."