The 2026 Surface Design Show will bring ‘Material Evolution’ from all over the world to London’s Business Design Centre from 3-5 February.
SDS26 will display the very best in materials and surfaces for architects and designers to explore and interact with for the duration of the show. This years’ theme is ‘Material Evolution’ and will stress a rethinking of newness and how the industry can make the shift from waste to worth. The show will encourage exhibitors and visitors alike to celebrate thoughtful design and redefine what it means to be new whilst championing circular systems, material transparency and inventive reuse.
The 2026 edition promises to be bigger and better with well-loved returning features including Surface Spotlight, Stone Tapestry, Innovation Gallery, Green Grads and the Surface Design Awards. SDS has also announced a new partnership with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) serving as a host partner for two of RIBA’s most significant annual events.
RIBA Future Leaders will take place on Tuesday 3rd February 2026. 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, Second Edition will take place on Wednesday 4th February 2026 and follow the resounding success of last year’s inaugural event. The high-profile gathering will welcome over 500 architects and delve into the cutting edge of AI in architecture.
The show will include a range of features and events including the renowned Surface Design Awards which this year received over 100 entries and will be judged by a comprehensive panel of judges including Muyiwa Oki, President of RIBA, Tina Norden, Principal at Conran & Partners, Arthur Mamou-Mani, Director of Mamou-Mani, Seetal Solanki, Founder and Director of Ma-tt-er, Barbara Chandler, Founder of Green Grads, Oscar Pearce, Co-Founder of Design Burger, Michael Grubb, Founder of Michael Grubb Studio, Tim Bowder-Ridger, Principle and Partner at Conran and Partners, Roddy Clarke, Design Journalist, Presenter & Consultant and Tim Gledstone, Partner at Squire & Partners.
Other highlights of the show will include the return of the Young Architects and Developers Alliance (YADA)’s networking event, encouraging young professionals to connect and build relationships. Studio Justine Fox will be managing the curation of the designer hub for SDS26, using its expertise in applied colour psychology, colour insights and colour ergonomics to make the space one of the show’s stand out areas.
The Green Grads will once again grace the innovation gallery with their experimental projects that push the boundaries of design and materiality. Last year we saw tennis balls, breadcrumbs and hand spun textiles to name but a few. This year we will continue to see the best of what Barbara Chandler’s Green Grads have to show.
The ceramicist Andra Munro will be returning to the next edition of the show, bringing her expertise in porcelain and craft to the BDC, last year she created a beautiful entrance to show featuring an intricate wall, for 2026 Andra will be creating something even bigger.
SDS26 is a must in the design calendar to explore all creative things within the material and surface world.
