Another successful Surface Design Show

This year’s Surface Design Show has now come to a close, with 180 exhibitors welcoming leading architectural and design practices it was an unmissable event, with visitors flocking to see talks, live demonstrations and survey the best of what the industry has to offer. Exhibitors created eye-catching stands highlighting the sustainability and innovation credentials of their materials which truly engaged with the audience of architects and designers.

Highlights included metallic wall art by Amron, colourful chains by SWAY, Surface Spotlight, Italian Stone Federation and a live muralist for Furnishing Futures. Visitors heard from the likes of Christos Passas – Director at Zaha Hadid, Sophie Harper – Editor of Hotel Designs, Dagmar Zvonickova Fredholm of NOVAVITA and Identity Designs, Kate Watson Smyth – founder of MadAboutTheHouse and Vanessa Champion – Founder of Journal of Biophilic Design as part of a collection of popular panel discussions and talks.

New for the 2025 edition was the Innovation Gallery, designed to champion up-and-coming material innovators, it was the place to discover groundbreaking materials and concepts emphasising new companies at the forefront of material innovation where both The Royal College of Art and the Green Grads were present.

During the show we heard from Stone Tapestry, a repeat exhibitor, who stated that: “It was brilliant to see Interior designers play with different types of natural stone, touching and moving the samples to mix and match tones and textures to see how natural stone can bring their projects to life.”

Alys Bryan Editor of Design Insider and the host of the Opening Night Debate, commented:”I come every year and have long been an advocate and fan of the show; this year Commercial Interiors UK created a Supplier Finder Material Library which showcased the materiality and expertise our members. We were delighted with the space and had a steady stream of architects and designers eager to explore the 150+ material samples which were displayed.”

After not exhibiting for a few years, Granlyn Specialist Coatings Ltd decided to exhibit for 2025 after attending the 2024 edition, “When I visited last year, I realised its one of those places you just must be… It’s amazing just the variety and the quality of the products that are here… It’s an eclectic mix of high-end artisan products.”

Visitors and Exhibitors alike expressed their enthusiasm for the show, praising the high-quality engagement with architects and interior designers and the opportunity to view the latest products and services

The Surface Design Awards ceremony, a highlight of the event, recognized exemplary design accomplishments in both interior and exterior environments, celebrating innovative and sustainable projects. The Museum of Meenakari Heritage & Flagship Store for Sunita Shekhawat by Studio Lotus was awarded the prestigious title of Supreme Winner.

David Todd, Event Director at Surface Design Show said of the 2025 edition: “The enormous efforts made by our exhibitors, sponsors, speakers, panellists and media and content partners made the 2025 show a resounding success. Crowds were already formed before the doors opened on the Tuesday afternoon and the excitement and anticipation from both visitors and exhibitors was palpable. A huge thank you to every one of our incredible 180+ exhibitors, speakers & curators who helped to create an amazing show. We can’t wait for 2026!”

Surface Design Show 2025 successfully fostered collaboration and inspired innovation within the design community. By emphasizing the importance of sustainability, ethical practices, and user-centric design, the show empowered attendees to create a more sophisticated and responsible built environment. Business Design Centre looks forward to welcoming participants next February for Surface Design Show 2026, anticipating another year of groundbreaking discoveries and material experimentation.

Surface Design Show 2026 takes place from 3rd – 5th February 2026.