Surface Design Show (SDS) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) have announced a new strategic partnership for the 2026 edition of the show. This bold collaboration further cements SDS’s position as an unmissable event for those in the architecture and design industry.
Opening the doors from the 3 - 5th February 2026 at the Business Design Centre in Islington, London, Surface Design Show 2026 promises to be the leading event of the year that architects, interior designers and visitors within the design community will not want to miss.
As part of the exciting collaboration with RIBA, the Surface Design Show will serve as Host Partner for two of RIBA’s most significant annual events.
- RIBA Future Leaders – Tuesday 3rd February 2026
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.
- RIBA AI in Practice Summit – Wednesday 4th February 2026
Following the resounding success of last year's inaugural event, the 2026 summit is set to return with an even greater impact, diving 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, co-located with this year’s Surface Design Show, will create a dynamic flow of activity throughout the exhibition. Large groups of RIBA delegates will move between sessions and the show floor, ensuring a steady influx of industry leaders, architects, and designers into the event. This will not only enhance 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.
"We’re delighted to be partnering with SDS for their 2026 Show," says Philip Lowther, Director of Commercial Programmes & Delivery at RIBA. "This exhibition will offer attendees a crucial platform to collaborate, exchange ideas and empower architects and designers to grow and innovate.
"From our Future Leaders programme, which will equip early-career architects with the skills and insight to lead sustainable practices, to our AI in Practice Summit that will bring together leading voices to offer practical insight into current tools and emerging trends in technology, it will be an unmissable few days for those from all corners of the profession.”
