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Setting the tone for the live events programme will be the Opening Night Debate , hosted this year by Jonathan Smales , executive chairman with Human Nature , a leading proponent of sustainable development . The debate , which has CDUK as the official partner , will question how architecture and interior design professions are dealing with the Show ’ s theme of Shaping Communities .
Over the 2½ days , the Main Stage will host a range of debates , panels , trend forecasts and insights into the latest surface design innovations . It will also be the venue for the Legends Live series of ‘ in conversations ’ in partnership with Mix Interiors , where industry leaders interview someone they admire .
The PechaKucha evening also returns for 2023 having previously been an entertaining talking point of Surface Design Show . This fast and furious speaking format sees eight speakers battling to get their message across , presenting 20 slides for just 20-seconds each . The evening will be hosted by Nicola Osborn , creative director of design studio Basha-Franklin .
Another popular element of the show is the Surface Design Awards . Now in their 11th year , they continue to set a benchmark for architectural and design achievements across the world . More than 110 projects were entered into the 2023 Surface Design Awards , coming from an impressive 24 different countries . The BAFTA Headquarters in London by Benedetti Architects , which scooped the Supreme Winner award in 2022 set the standard for excellence in surface design . Following the success of its debut last year , the Architectural Photography category returns once more for 2023 .
This year the Awards ’ judging panel is co-chaired by Jonathan Hagos , Director of architects studio Freehaus and Nasim Koerting Head of Design at The Office Group , and features a diverse mix of industry professionals who have made a name for themselves amongst their peers .
Surface Design Show 2023 builds on the success of the event , which has been running for over fifteen years , as a place to encourage a meaningful exchange of ideas between manufacturers and the marketplace to further material innovation .
Surface Design Show , Business Design Centre , N1 0QH | 7-9 February 2023