Your Guide to 2024's Best Architecture & Design Events in the UK

With a new year comes a fresh calendar of exciting architecture and design events in the UK, and we can’t wait to attend as many of them as we can!

From pioneering material tech to eco-conscious design solutions, this year’s array of captivating events is set to spotlight the fantastic work of UK architects and designers.

Whether you’re interested in absorbing new ideas or simply rubbing shoulders with the latest crop of design stalwarts, this year’s calendar offers a range of forums for emerging designers and seasoned architects alike.

To help decide on how to plan your year ahead, we've curated a list of the most anticipated architecture and design events in 2024.

Workspace Design Show

The Workspace Design Talks serve as a dynamic platform for the best and brightest in the commercial interior design industry. Whether you are an industry professional, design consultant, or corporate leader, this event promises to broaden your understanding of the pivotal role workplace design plays in enhancing productivity and shaping the future of work environments. After a successful showing in Birmingham in 2023, WDS will mark its third year in February at London’s Business Design Centre.

Sign up for updates and tickets here.

Surface Design Show

Taking place in February, SDS is a haven of sensory experience, especially for the more tactile amongst us! Showcasing all things current in surface material design and innovation, this London event gives architects and designers opportunities to get up close to interior and exterior surface products from around the world.

Learn more about the event and register for tickets here.

Futurebuild 2024

Now in its 18th year, Futurebuild will draw in thousands of professionals across the gamut of architecture and design domains to explore the possibilities of smart and sustainable building. Adjoining the Futurebuild event in March is the National Retrofit Conference, also spanning three days alongside the main event.

Register for tickets here.

Architect @ Work

Part of a series crisscrossing Europe’s capitals, Architect @ Work is an industry exhibition moonlighting as an installation event. This year’s theme, ‘designing from the ground up’, will be the canvas exhibits cast before a judging panel of architects and interior designers, combined with seminars and workshops. In March, catch it in London at the Truman Brewery.

Find out more here.

Clerkenwell Design Week (Design London)

Having merged with Design London, the Clerkenwell Design Week juggernaut will mark its 15th year in May with more than 600 curated events across more than a dozen venues. CDW’s British Collection will double in size for this year’s event, taking over the entire crypt of St James’s Church, whilst a smorgasbord of installations, exhibits and talks will help make for an action-packed week. 

Get more information on CDW’s colourful programme and register for tickets here.

The London Festival of Architecture 2024

Kicking off its 2024 iteration with the theme ‘Reimagine’, LFA is set to make London an essential destination in June.

With a focus on sustainability, equity, and accessibility, the event seeks to reflect on the festival's impact over the last two decades and explore how the architecture and design community can shape a more inclusive and collaborative city. The festival will provide a platform for knowledge-sharing, testing new ideas, and catalysing change, with a vision of a future city that reflects diverse voices and perspectives.

Discover the programme here.

AJ100

Established in 1995, the AJ100 survey is the definitive annual record of the UK's largest architecture practices measured by the number of architects employed in the UK. The awards programme celebrates the achievements of these firms, and as an event partner and sponsor of the Employer of the Year award, the Bespoke team will be in attendance. With the addition of five new awards for 2024 and the winners announced at a gala event on 21st June, this is an event not to be missed.

For event details and to enter, click here

London Design Festival

Celebrating London as the design capital of the world, the London Design Festival will return in September 2024 with its weeklong programme. Renowned for its Landmark and Special projects, along with an eclectic feast of UK and global design excellence, LDF is a highlight on the industry calendar.

Register for updates and tickets here.

New Designers

An important platform for emerging design talent in the UK, New Designers returns to London in June and July to celebrate exceptional graduates and young professionals in disciplines ranging from industrial design to furniture.

Learn more about it here.

Architect of the Year Awards 2024

Building Design’s Architect of the Year Awards honours architects and firms for outstanding contributions to their field. With categories spanning from public and private residential, to commercial and education spaces, the awards showcase the diverse talents and groundbreaking ideas within the UK architectural scene.

Sign up for updates ahead of the October event here.

RIBA Stirling Prize 2024

The most prestigious architecture and design event of them all, the Stirling Prize ceremony features the UK peak body’s top accolades for architectural design. Held in October to celebrate winners announced in June, previous winning works have included the John Morden Centre, Bloomberg London and Goldsmith Street Council housing in Norwich.

Register for updates and tickets.

London Build Expo

With a dizzying array of speakers, networking opportunities and hours of CPD talks on offer, London Build Expo will certainly round out the 2024 calendar year with a bang. This year’s Architecture stage will give the floor to discussions about the future of skyscrapers, designing safe urban spaces and the cutting-edge of smart buildings.

Access the programme and register for tickets here.

Discover More Architecture and Design Events – and Jobs!

In 2024, the calendar is brimming with the best architecture and design events the UK and London have to offer, with a variety of opportunities to suit all interests and disciplines.

As proud champions of the industry, Bespoke Careers hosts a series of events throughout the year, and we’d love to see you there! For more information about our networking events or to have a chat about hiring or finding your next role in architecture or design, contact our team today.