The Surface Design Show (SDS26) promises to be an unmissable event, bringing together surface specialists from all over the world. From 3-5th February, the Business Design Centre in Islington, London is where the entire design community will immerse itself in the latest and most inspiring materials for the built environment.
The 2026 edition proves to be bigger and better with well-loved returning features including Surface Spotlight, Stone Tapestry, Innovation Gallery, Green Grads and 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.
The theme for 2026 is ‘Material Evolution’ which calls for a rethinking of newness and how we can make a shift from waste to worth. ‘Material Evolution’ celebrates thoughtful design and redefines what it means to be new whilst championing circular systems, material transparency, and inventive reuse. Trend expert Sally Angharad says of the theme “Taking cues from fashion’s embrace of repair, recycling, and circular systems, Material Evolution for the 2026 show considers design as an ecosystem rather than a linear process. It celebrates the creative tension between progress and preservation, showing that every material carries both history and possibility. Through this lens, newness becomes not an endpoint, but a continuous conversation between past and future.”
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.
Surface Spotlight will return alongside the Stone Tapestry with a collection of surfaces and materials that visitors can touch and feel. Surface Spotlight is a material showcase curated around this year’s theme ‘Material Evolution’, with every material carefully selected by design and trend expert Sally Angharad. The Stone Tapestry is a unique natural stone showcase presented by the Stone Federation, the trade association for the natural stone industry.
Studio Justine Fox will be managing the curation of the designer hub for this edition of the show. With its expertise in applied colour psychology, colour insights and colour ergonomics, the space is destined to be one of the shows 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.
We will once again see the Young Architects and Developers Alliance at the show for their annual YADA x Surface Design Show networking event. Working to connect young professionals in the industry, the event will encourage people to share ideas and build relationships at the show.
The highly anticipated Surface Design Awards will return again this year, attracting entries from the UK, Europe and Asia. The awards will celebrate excellence in material and surface innovation. This year’s judging panel includes judges from the UK’s leading architectural practices along with expert representatives from various sectors include Muyiwa Oki – President 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 and Tim Bowder-Ridger- Principle and Partner at Conran and Partners, Roddy Clarke – Design Journalist, Presenter & Consultant and Tim Gledstone – Partner at Squire & Partners.
SDS26 is a must in the design calendar to explore all creative things within the material and surface world.
