About the Surface Design Awards 2026

Surface Design Awards 2026 will be an evening event, on Wednesday 4 February 2026 at 6:00pm. If you have registered to attend Surface Design Show, your ticket will grant you access to the Awards. (Priority access will be given to the Awards Sponsors, Judges and Finalists).  

Trophies have been created and provided by Revive Innovations, who have worked with the Surface Design Awards Team to create a trophy made of 70 recycled CD's in line with this years theme: Material Evolution.

Judged by an esteemed panel of design and architectural professionals,  the Surface Design Awards have been designed to encourage both small and large practises or projects to gain recognition from their peers, as well as encouraging them to attend Surface Design Show.  

The Awards will start at 6:00pm on Wednesday 4th February 2026, and will take place in the Auditorium of the Business Design Centre. The Awards will be hosted by Hamish Kilburn.

After introductions from the host, the finalists will be announced and invited to the stage to collect their awards and for picture opportunities. 

Project: 

Lighting:

Matthew Giles Architects - House of Panes

Studio RAP - Blue Voyage - Marsa Al Arab

Signature Walls - The Newman Hotel

Giles Miller Studio – Fractalism

 

Hospitality:

Studio RAP - Blue Voyage - Marsa Al Arab

Tigg Coll - Mason & Fifth Westbourne Park

Signature Walls - The Newman Hotel

 

Public Realm:

Ketley Brick Co Ltd - Silvertown Tunnel Portal Buildings - Greenwich Peninsular Portal in Greenwich and Silvertown Portal in Newham

Studio RAP - New Delft Blue

Peter Donegan Garden Design - Cancer Support Outdoor Therapy Room

Mizzi Studio - Kew Gardens Carbon Pavilion

 

Façades:

Studio RAP - Ceramic House

Roberta Rampazzo Design – Sublime

Roni Karsh - Wa, Ma - Wooden Cube Façade

 

Regenerative Design:

Liza C Design - Agri-fruit-bag

Mizzi Studio - Kew Gardens Carbon Pavilion

Nested Living – Redstones

Product:

Innovation:

Liza C Design - Agri-fruit-bag

Aga Blonska – CoWave

Camira - ReSKU 2.0

 

Sustainability:

Sphere8

Humanscale - Freedom 25

Liza C Design - Agri-fruit-bag

 

Material Transformation:

Camira - ReSKU 2.0

ReCinder

Pit-to-table - pit-board

 

Heritage & Craft:

Camira - ReSKU 2.0

Tanaka Eyewear - Patina as Performance

The Monkey Puzzle Tree Ltd - Blues Fantasia Textile Wallpaper

 

Digital Integration:

Shenzhen Starise Creation Technology Co., Ltd - Vintage, Reinvented — Bold-Color Originals for Modern Living

Aga Blonska – CoWave

Emerging Talent:

 

Rosemary Napper - ReCinder

David McGill - Ruvi Acoustic Tile 

Khwaja Luqman Sadiq - microSPACE 

This years Awards will take on a new format, we have altered our categories to represent more of our industry and showcase emerging talent.

There are three additional categories:

Supreme Winner
This award is not available to enter and the winner will be selected from the category winners by the judges. There will be no shortlist for this award. 


Emerging Talent
 Student projects and universities will be invited to enter their projects. There was a public voting for this award, an amazing opportunity to get projects in front of A&D professionals. 

2026 Judges (opens in a new tab)
Lighting
Lighting

Recognising the most creative and effective integration of surface materials and lighting to elevate spatial experience. 

Project Categories Criteria: Creative Use and Integration of Surface Materials, Functionality and User Experience, Innovation and Concept Originality, Material Suitability and Execution, Sustainability and Social/Environmental Impact

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Hospitality
Hospitality

Celebrating outstanding surface design within hotels, restaurants, bars, or leisure environments that enhance guest experience. 

Project Categories Criteria: Creative Use and Integration of Surface Materials, Functionality and User Experience, Innovation and Concept Originality, Material Suitability and Execution, Sustainability and Social/Environmental Impact.

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Public Realm
Public Realm

Recognising surface design excellence in shared or civic spaces, including transport hubs, museums, educational institutions, and public infrastructure. 

Project Categories Criteria: Creative Use and Integration of Surface Materials, Functionality and User Experience, Innovation and Concept Originality, Material Suitability and Execution, Sustainability and Social/Environmental Impact.

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Façades
Façades

Honouring excellence in the design and materiality of external building façades that demonstrate performance and visual impact. 

Project Categories Criteria: Creative Use and Integration of Surface Materials, Functionality and User Experience, Innovation and Concept Originality, Material Suitability and Execution, Sustainability and Social/Environmental Impact.

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Regenerative Design
Regenerative Design

Recognising projects where surface design actively contributes to environmental and social regeneration through innovation, stewardship, and long-term impact.

Project Categories Criteria: Creative Use and Integration of Surface Materials, Functionality and User Experience, Innovation and Concept Originality, Material Suitability and Execution, Sustainability and Social/Environmental Impact.

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Innovation
Innovation

Highlighting breakthrough surface materials, finishes, or technologies that push design boundaries.

Product Categories Criteria: Design Originality and Innovation, Sustainability and Lifecycle Impact, Technical Performance, Craftsmanship and Materiality, Market Relevance and User Benefit.

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Digital Integration
Digital Integration

Recognising surface products that incorporate digital technology, interactivity, or smart systems to enhance functionality or user experience. 

Product Categories Criteria: Design Originality and Innovation, Sustainability and Lifecycle Impact, Technical Performance, Craftsmanship and Materiality, Market Relevance and User Benefit.

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Sustainability
Sustainability

Recognising products that prioritise responsible sourcing, low-impact production, and circular design principles. 

Product Categories Criteria: Design Originality and Innovation, Sustainability and Lifecycle Impact, Technical Performance, Craftsmanship and Materiality, Market Relevance and User Benefit.

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Material Transformation
Material Transformation

Awarding products that repurpose waste, use bio-based components, or introduce radical approaches to material innovation. 

Product Categories Criteria: Design Originality and Innovation, Sustainability and Lifecycle Impact, Technical Performance, Craftsmanship and Materiality, Market Relevance and User Benefit.

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Heritage & Craft
Heritage & Craft

Honouring surface products that preserve or reinterpret traditional craft techniques or cultural heritage through contemporary design. 

Product Categories Criteria: Design Originality and Innovation, Sustainability and Lifecycle Impact, Technical Performance, Craftsmanship and Materiality, Market Relevance and User Benefit.

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Emerging Talent
Emerging Talent

Championing rising designers or studios whose work with surfaces shows exceptional promise and originality. 

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bdcsons

Please email thea.sainsbury@montogomerygroup.com with any enquiries.

Interested in Sponsoring an Awards Category? Download our Sponsorship Opportunities or Contact our Team.