Surface Design Show 2026 is a leading event for the architecture and design community, bringing together over 180 exhibitors and more than 6,000 industry professionals from across the UK and Europe.
Located in the heart of London’s design district, SDS26 offers a rare opportunity to engage face-to-face with a highly targeted A+D audience — with 62% of attendees holding purchasing authority. The show is a key platform for discovering material innovation, emerging design thinking and future-focused solutions within the built environment.
6,000+ senior professionals from the architecture and interior design sectors
180+ exhibitors showcasing innovative surface materials from around the world
A comprehensive talks programme featuring over 40 industry experts (speaker programme coming soon)
The Innovation Gallery, spotlighting emerging designers and experimental material concepts
Surface Spotlight, a tactile and immersive installation designed by Sally Angharad
The Surface Design Awards, celebrating excellence in surface design (Wednesday 4 February)
Rethinking newness — from innovation to inheritance, from waste to worth.
Material Evolution explores a broader, more responsible definition of innovation. Rather than focusing solely on the new, Surface Design Show 2026 reframes progress as a process of renewal, reuse and thoughtful transformation.
The theme highlights how materials evolve through science, technology, culture, heritage and circular design, showcasing work that is both future-facing and rooted in past and present practice. From recycled and regenerative materials to nature-based and waste-derived innovations, the show celebrates design that balances creativity with sustainability.
Drawing inspiration from advances in sustainable fashion, Material Evolution champions circular systems, material transparency and inventive reuse, encouraging the surface design sector to adopt a more regenerative, nuanced approach to the future.
Tuesday 3 February 2026 16:00 – 21:00
Wednesday 4 February 2026 10:00Â – 20:00
Thursday 5 February 2026 10:00Â – 17:00
