In September 2003, he was awarded with an honorary professorship of the National University for Architecture, Construction and Transport in Bishkek, Kirgistan. For several years he has been contributing to the international, UNESCO supported project Great Silk Road. East - West Dialogue, which organizes exhibitions in different cities of Asia and Europe.

On 1 February 2005, Michael Zobel handed the business over to his successor Peter Schmid.

The professional path of Peter Schmid was always connected with Michael Zobel's studio. After training as a jewellery designer at the School for Design, Jewellery and Instruments in Schwäbisch Gmünd, he completed the apprenticeship with Michael Zobel with a very good result and continued working in the studio. Three years later he received a scholarship to Barcelona, to "learn Japanese lacquer technology on precious metals". On his return, Peter Schmid became the "right hand" of Michael Zobel and learnt everything from the master - as a goldsmith as well as a business man. For years he then accompanied Michael Zobel to international fairs and exhibitions, and assisted him in the studio in Konstanz, until the roles could finally be exchanged. Michael Zobel is now concentrating exclusively on the creative side of the enterprise, the design, while leaving the business side to his "new boss".