London’s Business Design Centre will once again host an exceptional mix of surfaces, finishes and materials in February 2026, with exhibitors and visitors from the world over.
The Surface Design Show offers a broad insight into the sector, enabling industry professionals to see, source and specify the very latest internal and external surface materials.
The show will feature the innovative work of more than 100 exhibitors, all of whom will engage with the show’s focus on ‘Material Evolution’ – exploring sustainability and inventive reuse.
Enhancing visitor experience and exhibitor satisfaction yet further, the Surface Design Show recently announced that it has formed a strategic partnership with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) for the 2026 edition. As part of the exciting collaboration, the Surface Design Show will serve as host partner for two of RIBA’s most significant annual events.
RIBA Future Leaders, taking place on Tuesday, 3rd February 2026, is a program designed to support the professional development of emerging architects. The event will equip the next generation of leaders with the crucial skills and insights needed to thrive in practice and shape the built environment of tomorrow.
The RIBA AI in Practice Summit – Second Edition, meanwhile, will take place on Wednesday, 4th February 2026. This high-profile gathering will welcome over 500 architects and delve into the cutting edge of AI in architecture. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from world-renowned speakers and leading industry experts on the latest technological advancements, applications and trends in the field.
The events, hosted in partnership with this year’s Surface Design Show, are set to create a dynamic flow of activity throughout the exhibition. By welcoming large groups of RIBA delegates before and after sessions, the programme will ensure a steady influx of industry leaders, architects and designers into the show. This will not only drive networking opportunities but also expose participants to a curated showcase of best-in-class innovations in surfaces, finishes and materials, highlighting cutting-edge design thinking and craftsmanship.
With the 2026 theme of ‘Material Evolution’ demanding a reassessment of newness and a shift from waste to worth, the partnership with RIBA aligns with SDS’s vision of championing circular systems, material transparency and inventive reuse.
“We are thrilled to partner with RIBA for this year’s edition of the Surface Design Show,” says David Todd, Event Director at Surface Design Show. “This collaboration gives us a chance to connect with new audiences and explore ideas that matter in architecture and design. I’m looking forward to the conversations and perspectives this partnership will bring.”
Another highlight will be the Surface Design Awards. Now in their 14th year, the awards continue to champion the very best in architecture, design, and manufacturing, shining a spotlight on material excellence and design innovation from the UK and around the globe.
For 2026, the awards have been refreshed with a new process that will see a panel of distinguished judges evaluate entries across 10 updated categories. Among the judges this year are RIBA President, Muyiwa Oki, Tim Bowder-Ridger, Principal and Partner at Conran and Partners; Seetal Solanki – Founder and Director of Ma-tt-er; and Tim Gledstone – Partner at Squire & Partners.
Winners will be announced during SDS26 on Wednesday, the 4th of February at 6 pm. Last year’s reception saw hundreds of visitors and exhibitors alike gather to celebrate the winners and enjoy live music and champagne.
