From the 4-6 February, Surface Design Show (SDS) will play host to a huge range of companies all showcasing the best in material innovation. Exhibitors will be revealing new launches and highlighting surfaces that will inspire the thousands of architects and interior designers that attend. Throughout the exhibition there is also a series of installations which have been carefully curated to provoke conversations and engage with the audience, whilst the talks series has been designed to both educate and entertain with a programme designed specifically for architects and interior designers.
This year’s Surface Design Show will welcome guests with a porcelain light installation courtesy of Andra Munro, a multi-award-winning lighting designer based in the UK. The installation will be comprised of approximately 1,500 porcelain pieces, each individually and intricately crafted by hand. When illuminated, the porcelain radiates a warm, inviting glow, casting mesmerising patterns of light and shadow that shift and evolve with the viewer’s perspective. From the hustle and bustle of London, the entrance hall will be a room in its own right – an important space that embodies the essence of transition and arrival.
Andra Munro Design
Amongst the installations, talks and exhibitors that will be a must see for visiting Architects are:
- The Stone Federation returns to SDS with a new expression of The Stone Tapestry a unique natural stone showcase designed in collaboration with leading architectural practice Squire & Partners. (stand 332)
- For Everyday.Life (FE.L) will showcase ‘Housing Salinas’, an award-winning architectural solution designed in response to community displacement in Puerto Rico as a result of Hurricane Maria. The project uses CarbonX from ICON Technologies, and when paired with ICON’s wall system and robotic construction methods, is the lowest carbon residential building system ready to be used at scale.
- As innovators of clay products, Ketley Brick is committed to delivering forward-thinking solutions that help architects overcome creative and technical challenges in brick. (stand 244)
- Monoliet finds the right material for any project or design. With expertise in facade cladding, landscaping and swimming pools, tiling projects and solid elements for interior construction, Monoliet covers multiple sectors while focusing on high-quality and sustainability. (stand 135)
- Mega Glass is a commercial glass fabricator specialising in architectural glass specifications. They will launch Toughened Antique Mirror and Switchable Glass at this year’s Surface Design Show. (stand 114)
- The Aegean Natural Stones & Minerals Exporters’ Association (EMIB) is bringing a delegation of 14 Turkish natural stone businesses to the UK for SDS. Sporting 4,000 years of marble production, Türkiye is one of the oldest marble producers globally, offering a diverse range of colours and textures. EMIB specializes in natural stones, metallic and industrial minerals as well as ferroalloys and other mining products. (stand 206)
- Talks curated specifically with architects in mind include the Opening Night debate on the 4 February (18:30-19:20) The power of AI in A&D with a panel of speakers from Design Insider, Zaha Hadid, Lancaster School of Architecture, Make and Accanto Interiors. The debate will explore the potential of AI driven design and discuss the applications, challenges and ethical implications of embracing AI as a tool within the industry.
- Designing for Wellness: A Holistic Approach 6 February (11:30-12:15) This panel session will delve into the multifaceted aspects of designing for wellness, exploring how architects and designers can create spaces that promote physical, mental and emotional health.
Spark&Bell
Britvic Aqua Libra                       Â
Visiting interior designers will be inspired by the breadth of exhibitors dedicated to their sector along with the many installations and series of talks in the speaker’s programme.
- Located right in the heart of the show, Surface Spotlight will once again be presenting a selection of carefully selected surfaces, finishes and materials that embrace the 2025 show theme ‘Creative Conscience’.
- As part of the show the Designers Hub will feature the Britvic Aqua Libra so visitors can stay hydrated with a range of refreshing drinks options whilst the furniture is provided by DEKA and Surface Matter. Central to the design of the space is a stunning chandelier made from 8.6kg of chipped CD cases handmade by Brighton based lighting designers Spark & Bell.
- Commercial Interiors UK (CIUK) will be launching its Supplier Finder Material Library at SDS, a curated collection of groundbreaking materials from its members. Visitors can explore over 100 innovative material samples which have been designed with commercial interiors in mind, including textiles, wallcoverings, solid surfaces and timber. (stand 616)
- The Innovation Gallery is a debut for 2025, designed to champion up-and-coming material innovators, it is 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 will be present.
- Founded and driven with a passion for aesthetic innovation, San Deco has become a leading name in the production and distribution of decorative paints and plaster. Renowned for transforming spaces, their diverse product range includes decorative paints, Venetian plaster and eco-friendly lime-based coating. (stand 365)
REHAU
Dutch Walltextile Co
- High quality, unique design and appealing touch needs to be perfectly combined to fulfil their ultimate purpose: enhancing the lives of those who visit, live and work in these spaces. This philosophy drives REHAU to develop innovative furniture components and cabinetry that focuses on flexibility, quality and aesthetics. (stand 364)
- Specialising in textile wallcoverings, Dutch Walltextile Co embraces craftsmanship within their manufacture. They provide exceptional quality, acute attention to detail and inventive designs. Their new product line, DWC Acoustics, combines Dutch Walltextile Company fabrics with sustainable recycled PET felt. (stand 121)
- Redefining spaces with the use of stainless steel and aluminium, G-Tex pride themselves on being the intersection between metalwork and creativity through offering a range of finishes to facilitate the transformation of spaces into functional pieces of art. Their new collection, the Water Effect Stainless Steel sheet brings a sense of timeless elegance to both interior and exterior spaces. (stand 380)
- The Italian company Hybrid & Icon embraces experimentation, using a blend of natural materials and the Roman technique of cocciopesto to create four collections ranging from artistic pieces to furniture. (stand 425)
- Kate Watson Smyth founder of MadAboutTheHouse discusses the ever-changing world of interior design trends in her talk Trends: Should You or Shouldn’t You? Feb 5 (13:30-14:15) Sharing her knowledge on distinguishing between fleeting fads and enduring styles, she will provide listeners with an insight into incorporating the latest trends into their practice.
- Material Passports February 5 (11:30-12:15) will explore the concept of material passports and their role in promoting sustainability and ethical sourcing Harsha Kotak, Co-Founder, Sustainable Design Collective, Camron Wocher, Material Researcher, Asif Din, Director of Regenerative Design, Perkins & Will, TP Bennett, Joanna Knight, Co-Founder, Sustainable Design Collective and Anja Schellenbauer, Associate Director, John Robertson Architects will delve into how companies are leveraging technology to track and trace materials, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the supply chain.