Surface Design Show 2026 Explores the Future of Material Innovation Through “Material Evolution”

From 3–5 February 2026, the Surface Design Show returns to London’s Business Design Centre, placing a global spotlight on the evolving language of materials. Long established as a leading destination for material innovation, SDS26 will deliver an immersive exhibition of pioneering surfaces and finishes, encouraging architects and designers to see, touch and engage with the future of material design.

At the core of the 2026 edition is the theme Material Evolution, which challenges traditional notions of “newness” and urges the industry to rethink value. Rather than focusing solely on the novel, the show reframes innovation as a process of reinvention transforming waste into worth through circular design, material transparency and responsible production. Reuse, rediscovery and regeneration sit alongside scientific and technological advancement as key drivers of progress.

SDS26 will feature an expanded programme, welcoming back popular elements such as Surface Spotlight, Stone Tapestry, the Innovation Gallery, Green Grads and the Surface Design Awards. A major new development for 2026 is a partnership with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), which will host two of its flagship annual events at the show.

RIBA Future Leaders takes place on Tuesday 3 February, supporting the development of emerging architects, followed on Wednesday 4 February by the RIBA AI in Practice Summit (Second Edition). The summit will welcome more than 500 architects to examine the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence in architectural practice.

The Surface Design Awards remain a cornerstone of the event, attracting over 100 entries this year. Winners were selected by an esteemed judging panel 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, Principal and Partner at Conran & Partners; Roddy Clarke, design journalist and consultant; and Tim Gledstone, Partner at Squire & Partners.

Additional highlights include the return of the Young Architects and Developers Alliance (YADA) networking event, designed to foster meaningful connections among emerging professionals. Studio Justine Fox will curate the Designer Hub, bringing its expertise in colour psychology, ergonomics and insight to create one of the show’s most visually striking spaces.

Curated by materials, design and trend expert Sally Angharad, Surface Spotlight once again sits at the heart of the exhibition. This year’s installation presents Material Evolution as a story of renewal rather than novelty, exploring how materials transform through culture, heritage, science and circular design. Visitors are invited to reconsider familiar materials through creative application, narrative and context.

The show continues its commitment to supporting emerging designers through its ongoing partnership with the Royal College of Art. Featured RCA designers include Zoe Onatoye, whose work explores the relationship between nature and wellbeing by transforming construction waste into portable hanging gardens for site workers, and Olivia Webb, who challenges traditional material hierarchies by embedding discarded rose petals into modular tiles to create softer, more emotionally responsive architectural surfaces.

Green Grads, founded by Barbara Chandler, returns with a strong focus on environmental innovation, presenting solutions that address carbon reduction, circularity and material reuse. Highlights include Mobina Rajabimoghadam’s Bio Recursive, a compostable biomaterial made from waste eggshells, and Josh Myers’ Denimolite, a premium surface material created from post-consumer denim and manufacturing off-cuts that celebrates the visual character of textile waste.

New for 2026, the Emerging Talent category within the Surface Design Awards showcases experimental concepts with real-world potential. Notable projects include Poulami Saha’s research into fish scales as biodegradable biomaterials for interior panels and textiles, and David McGill’s Ruvi Acoustic Tile, which combines slip-cast ceramics with ancient Roman principles to enhance acoustic comfort in public spaces without synthetic foams.

A dynamic talks programme will run throughout the show, opening with a debate hosted by design author and journalist Katie Treggiden titled Waste: The Raw Material of the Future. Other key sessions include Hospitality by Design: Materials, Trends and Innovation, hosted by Design Insider editor Alys Bryan; Designing Emotion: Art, Materiality and Public Spaces with Zoe Allen and Giles Miller; and a discussion on designing for joy featuring interior designer Siobhan Murphy and Emily Wheeler of Furnishing Futures. The programme also includes Navigating Neurodiversity: Designing Spaces for Diverse Thinking, with panellists including Michelle Ogundehin head judge on Interior Design Masters and ex editor of Elle Decoration alongside experts from Buro Happold, HOK and Lloyd’s Banking Group.

With its ambitious vision and rich programme of exhibitions, installations and conversations, Surface Design Show 2026 cements its position as an essential date in the design calendar a celebration of creativity, material intelligence and the evolving future of surfaces.

For more information, visit www.surfacedesignshow.com

From Green Grads to the Innovation Gallery, through to CIUK’s Material Library, the 2025 edition of Surface Design Show (SDS) will have even more unique features for visitors to discover in 2025. Held from 4-6 February, SDS brings together the best in material innovation with over 180 companies showcasing thousands of materials many of which will be launched at the show, alongside a range of features and collaborations that have been designed to educate and inspire.

Exhibiting at the Surface Design Show 2025 for the first time are the Green Grads, a platform that spotlights recent graduates from UK universities who are confronting the world’s most urgent environmental challenges. “Our graduates are tackling sustainability, climate change, circular production, waste and pollution, biophilia, bio-diversity and much more. They include engineers, product and furniture designers, material scientists, ceramicists, textile and graphic designers, craftspeople, artists, and film makers.” explains founder and curator Barbara Chandler, who brings over 25 years of experience as the Design Editor of the London Evening Standard. The materials showcased will be biomaterials made from woodchips, breadcrumbs and wool, algae-based dyes an alternative to synthetic and often toxic pigments and materials made from organic waste such as eggshells and banana peel.

Commercial Interiors UK (CIUK) will be launching its Supplier Finder Material Library at SDS, a curated collection of groundbreaking materials from its members. Visitors can explore over 100 innovative material samples which have been designed with commercial interiors in mind, including textiles, wallcoverings, solid surfaces and timber. The interactive displays offer a tactile experience with materials displayed on wire mesh panels with informative tags that provide sustainability credentials and production processes along with information about the brand.

The Innovation Gallery is a further debut for 2025, designed to champion up-and-coming material innovators, it is the place to discover groundbreaking materials and concepts emphasising new companies at the forefront of material innovation. With a strong commitment to fostering small businesses, the Innovation Gallery provides an invaluable platform for independent creators and SME’s to showcase their work on a global stage.

A team from the Journal of Biophilic Design, the publisher and broadcaster of research into the health and environmental benefits of Biophilic Nature-inspired Design, will be present to bring visitors knowledge, inspiration, case studies and ideas on how to design and help businesses reach net zero, how to increase biodiversity, and how biophilic design improves the whole value chain from real estate to employee costs.

For Everyday.Life (FE.L) will showcase ‘Housing Salinas’, a project that was designed in response to community displacement in Puerto Rico as a result of Hurricane Maria. It is the creation of a long-term solution that strives towards a future where residents can live, work, and flourish in an environment that embodies the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility. The low cost, 3D printed housing solution is constructed from mortar-based concrete and combined with the robotic capabilities of construction company, ICON. Jorge Mendez-Caceres, Co-Founder at FEL said: “The Housing Salinas project highlights our commitment to creating a vibrant and sustainable solution that could be measured against the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The ambition is to provide more than just houses; there is an aspiration to cultivate a harmonious living environment that prioritises social inclusivity, environmental responsibility, and economic prosperity.”

Features returning for 2025 include Surface Spotlight, The Stone Knowledge Hub, Furnishing Futures and Mastercharge.

Located right in the heart of the show, Surface Spotlight will once again be presenting a selection of carefully selected surfaces, finishes and materials that embrace the 2025 show theme ‘Creative Conscience’. Curated by material, design and trend expert Sally Angharad, the trends highlighted will be blended, softened, curved and polished. Surface Spotlight is an interactive display that allows visitors to get up close and personal with some of the materials that will be shaping our future.

SDS is proud to announce its continued partnership with Furnishing Futures, an incredible charity founded by interior stylist, writer, and social worker Emily Wheeler. Furnishing Futures focuses on creating beautifully designed, fully furnished healing homes for women and children who have suffered from domestic abuse. After escaping domestic abuse these individuals often find themselves in social housing without basic amenities, such as flooring or white goods. The charity addresses this critical gap by partnering with the interiors industry to repurpose good quality ex-display items, returns, props, or donated furnishings and designing beautiful safe spaces. Based in Leyton in East London, Furnishing Futures will be present at the show, giving visitors the opportunity to see examples of their work and discuss this important topic in more detail.

Returning for 2025, Mastercharge will provide a recharge point for all exhibitors and visitors to use during the 3-day show. Alongside being a sponsor for the show, Mastercharge’s recharge point will focus on integrating wireless charging technology into various surfaces without affecting the appearance.

SDS25’s new Main Stage Partner is Procédés Chénel International, a team of creative individuals that help designers with worldwide development, production and distribution of decorative solutions, technologies and materials. Their team will be designing and installing the main stage at the show which will hold the extensive programme of debates, panel talks and insights into the latest material innovations.

The Stone Knowledge Hub is also returning to the 2025 Surface Design Show, with confirmed exhibitors including Albion Stone, Arcturus Stone, Brittanicus Stone, Burlington Stone, Fila Surface Care Products, Stone Cladding Systems and Welsh Slate. The go-to place for architects and designers looking to find inspiration and information for their natural stone projects, the Stone Knowledge Hub is host to some of the leading names with the UK natural stone sector.

Visit the 2025 Surface Design Show for a unique exploration of new and returning features.

With under 2 weeks to go until Surface Design Show opens its doors, now is the time to start planning your visit.

Discover the latest advancements in surface materials from over 180 exhibitors, many of whom will unveiling new materials for 2024. Surface Design Show 24 will be the most international to date welcoming over 60 international companies from 17 different companies which include Austria, Belgium, Brazil, China, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, Turkey, USA, Uzbekistan, Spain and the Ukraine. Surface Design Show will also be welcoming back its friends from The Italian Pavilion; the collective Italian area is devoted to the best in Italian stone with the 2023 edition featuring 21 exhibitors revealing the beauty of Italian stone.

Under the theme of 'Mindful Living,' Surface Design Show will delve into the integral role of materials and their properties in shaping multi-sensory spaces. The show will scrutinise the ongoing fusion of virtual and real worlds, probing into the implications of technological advancements and novel design approaches on the built environment. Look out for Surface Spotlight Live, a focal point where the theme takes centre stage.

From well-known names to those just starting out in the industry, Surface Design Show has it all. The New Talent area sponsored by CDUK, is curated once again by Jennifer Castoldi, Chief Creative Director at Trendease, will be a must-visit section of the show with the very best in emerging creatives displaying an inspiring range of biomaterials, natural materials, textiles, furniture and wallpaper.

Located at the heart of the show and curated by material, design and trend expert Sally Angharad is Surface Spotlight Live. The 2024 edition will shine a light on cutting-edge surfaces, finishes and processes that embrace the future and harness the vital role materials play in design across all dimensions.

The Stone Knowledge Hub is also returning to the 2024 Surface Design Show, bigger and better than ever. Building on the success of the 2023 edition and thanks to the increase in the number of Stone Federation members wanting to showcase their materials and expertise, the size of this feature has increased. The go-to place for architects and designers looking to find inspiration and information for their natural stone projects, the Stone Knowledge Hub is host to some of the leading names with the UK natural stone sector.

The ever-popular Opening Night Debate will take place on Tuesday 6 February and will be hosted by acclaimed journalist and editor Louis Wustemann, titled Human Capital, Risk and Retention. The retention of talent is currently the single greatest risk to businesses, it is also considered the hardest issue to solve. Louis and his guests including Nicola Osborn of Basha Franklin and Mark Shayler of Ape will discuss the moving parts around creating environments to inspire a diverse range of employees.

Partnered with Smile Plastics this can be found on the Main Stage where over the rest of the two and a half days a range of debates, panels, trend forecasts and insights into the latest material innovations will take place. The Legends Live series of fireside chats with experienced industry professionals also returns this year hosted by Design Insider editor Alys Bryan and featuring industry legends Matthew Hilton, Gurvinder Khurana & Tom Lloyd. Other speaking sessions include Trend Forecasts by Colour Hive’s Hannah Malein, a look at the transformative power of colour from Justine Fox whilst Grant Gibson founder of award-winning pod cast Material Matters will be chatting to Andrew Waugh of Waugh Thistleton Architects.

Surface Design Show is also delighted to be introducing a new charity partner Furnishing Futures, Furnishing Futures focuses on creating beautifully designed, fully furnished healing homes for women and children who have suffered domestic abuse. As part of the partnership with Surface Design Show, renowned UK street artist Olivier Roubieu will create two live murals across the event. These artworks will be auctioned, with all proceeds contributing to Furnishing Futures mission of creating safe and welcoming homes for survivors of domestic abuse.