Our Top Event Highlights for 2026
Thanks to our location here in central London, we’re fortunate to have the chance to attend inspiring and informative events throughout the year.
This year the impact of technology – and AI in particular – looks set to be a key theme at many of the design and architecture shows, festivals and keynotes on our radar.
From established shows to inaugural summits and lecture series, here are some of the key 2026 events that have caught our eye:
AIA UK Technical Lecture with Webb Yates: Low-Carbon Construction, 28 January, Webb Yates Engineers
As we at LA London – and the wider architectural industry – continue to improve our sustainable working practices, we’re particularly interested in the theme for this lecture hosted by Webb Yates, our partners in designing the cantilevered stone staircase at Camp End Manor.
Co-founder Steve Webb will share insights into low-carbon construction and the use of steel substitutes including stone, concrete and hybrid stone and timber construction.
Surface Design Show, 3rd – 5th February, Business Design Centre
More than 180 exhibitors and 6,000 guests are set to attend this year’s Surface Design Show, which provides a platform for innovative surface materials, from Lost Cowboys’ zinc wall panels to Accoya timber cladding from Tiny Temple. We’re also looking forward to some fascinating seminars on topics including design for neurodiversity.
AI in Practice Summit, 10am–4.30pm, 4th February, Business Design Centre
As part of the Surface Design Show this year, the RIBA is hosting a special event exploring how AI is affecting the world of architecture. Curated by architects Tomas Millar of Millar Howard Workshop and Keir Regan-Alexander of Arka creative consultancy, the conference features keynote talks and demonstrations from architects, designers and researchers.
MIPIM, 9 – 13 March, Palais des Festivals, Cannes
International real estate event MIPIM is an annual fixture for UK professionals working in property, construction and architecture. The week-long gathering in the south of France features keynotes, conferences and networking events where industry leaders congregate to discuss and shape the future of urban development and real estate, with an emphasis on sustainability.
This year, LA London’s managing partner Andrew Paulson will be travelling to Cannes by train (to minimise his carbon footprint) and is looking forward to making new connections and meeting up with old ones.
ATN Summit, 18th – 19 March, Protein Studios London
A new event for 2026, the two-day ATN Summit at Protein Studios in Shoreditch brings together leading architects and innovators for a series of discussions and workshops.
The summit was set up by Oliver Thomas of ATN (Archi-Tech Network) to share ideas and opportunities at a time when tech is bringing drastic changes to architecture, engineering and construction. Speakers from global practices including Zaha Hadid and Foster + Partners feature this year.
Clerkenwell Design Week, 19th–21st May, venues vary
Returning to EC1 for its 15th edition, the influential Clerkenwell Design Week features exhibitions, workshops, talks and events at venues across London’s design district. The 2026 programme has yet to be announced, but exhibitors include leading lighting designers, textiles brands, furniture makers and luxury bathroom suppliers.
London Festival of Architecture, 1–30 June, venues vary
This month-long summer celebration of architecture features a programme of inspiring events and discussions taking place throughout the capital. This year the festival has been curated around the theme “Belonging: to explore how architecture can offer inclusivity, safety and hope at a time of contrasts and conflict.
Wow! House, 2 June–2 July 2026, Design Centre Chelsea Harbour
Leading designers and global brands team up to design full-sized rooms within a 600 sq m show house in the Design Avenue at Design Centre Chelsea Harbour. Established in 2022, Wow! House has quickly become an important source of inspiration and ideas for the design industry. Previous years have seen rooms designed by Ben Pentreath, Laura Hammett and Sims Hilditch.
Focus/26, 14–18 September, Design Centre Chelsea Harbour
This five-day design show at DCCH brings a back-to-school energy to the autumn events programme, with brand launches accompanied by a series of “Conversations in Design” panel discussions and masterclasses. The centre also welcomes pop-up house guests to its existing roster of brands in residence on the Design Avenue.
London Design Festival, 12th – 20th September 2026, venues vary
A well-established fixture in the architectural calendar, London Design Festival marks its 24th iteration this year. Exhibitions, installations, and workshops take place across the city, showcasing the best of British architecture and design and launching the latest innovations and trends to promote London as a global hub for design.