Surface Design Show (SDS) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) are delighted to announce 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 - 5 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.

Philip Lowther, Director of Commercial Programmes & Delivery at RIBA, said:

We're delighted to be partnering with SDS for their 2026 Show. 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.”

This partnership echoes SDS's dedication to providing a platform where the entire design community can immerse themselves in the latest and most inspiring materials for the built environment. With the 2026 theme of 'Material Evolution' demanding a reassessment of newness and a shift from waste to worth, the partnership with RIBA aligns with SDS's vision of championing circular systems, material transparency and inventive reuse.

“We are thrilled to partner with RIBA for this year's edition of the Surface Design Show. This collaboration gives us a chance to connect with new audiences and explore ideas that matter in architecture and design. I'm looking forward to the conversations and perspectives this partnership will bring” - David Todd, Event Director at Surface Design Show.

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For further information please contact Cora Kemp; Email: cora@informare.co.uk Phone: 07903481131

ABOUT SURFACE DESIGN SHOW:

SDS (Surface Design Show) is the event of choice for architects and designers, the exhibition is the place where the entire design community immerses themselves in the latest and most inspiring materials for the built environment. Held annually (3-5 February 2026) at The Business Design Centre in Islington, London, SDS 2026 will focus on Material Evolution, exploring sustainability, circular systems, material transparency, and inventive reuse. SDS invites visitors to discover innovative materials, gain new insights and network with likeminded designers, architects, and suppliers.

Surface Design Show is organised by Montgomery Group, a global events company with over a century of experience serving our communities and delivering first class events across a variety of sectors and continents. Visit the Montgomery Group website to learn more about the organisation and the events we run.

ABOUT RIBA

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is a global professional membership body that serves its members and society in order to deliver better buildings and places, stronger communities and a sustainable environment. Follow @RIBA on X/Twitter for regular updates.