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.

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:

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.