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The Surface Design Awards has been an extension of the Surface Design Show brand for 14 years, celebrating excellence in the innovation and use of surfaces across the built environment. For the 2026 edition, we have listened to your feedback, and worked closely with industry professionals like Oliver Heath and Michael Grubb to create 10 *BRAND NEW* categories, equally split between products and projects.
Deadline: 17th October 2025, 5pm
Entry fee: £50 per entry, multiple entries allowed
Eligibility: Designers, studios, brands, manufacturers. Past entries are not eligible.
Once again, Surface Design Awards 2026 will be an evening event, hosted by Surface Design Show at the Business Design Centre on Wednesday 4 February 2025, starting 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).
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Emerging Talent
Emerging Talent
Championing rising designers or studios whose work with surfaces shows exceptional promise and originality.
Please email thea.sainsbury@montogomerygroup.com with any enquiries.
Interested in Sponsoring an Awards Category? Download our Sponsorship Opportunities or Contact our Team.