Workspace Design Show 2026 Highlights: Ambition, Precision and a Standout Year
Design Insider is a proud supporter of Workspace Design Show London, and year after year, the show continues to justify that support.
From the curation of exhibitors to the precision of stage design, from the calibre of speakers to the launch of its inaugural awards programme, every element is delivered with ambition and care. The team behind Workspace Design Show do not approach the event lightly. Their intention is clear: to elevate every aspect of the workplace conversation, and they succeed!
Across two energised days at the Business Design Centre, the show once again demonstrated why it has become such an important fixture in the industry calendar. Circularity was tested, not just discussed. Technology was immersive. Conversations were intelligent and candid. And a new awards platform signalled growing confidence across the workplace community.
Our Editorial Director attended the show. These were her highlights.
Peldon Rose – Designing Exhale
The Insights Lounge, sponsored, designed and built by Peldon Rose, was one of the most thoughtfully resolved spaces at the show.
We spoke with Ashton Holmes, Senior Project Designer at Peldon Rose, who described the concept behind the space — Exhale — as a response to the show’s theme, Connected Realities.
Exhale lounge shifting architectural “weather” – Image by Office Curator
Connected Realities explores the intersection between the digital and the physical. For Peldon Rose, that translated into something quietly powerful: creating a space that allowed visitors to pause.
Exhale was conceived as a moment of relief within the intensity of a trade show environment. During the 25-minute intervals between panel sessions, the architectural mood of the space shifted, altering atmosphere, tone and “weather” without physically transforming the structure itself.
As Ashton Holmes explained:
“What we’re trying to achieve here is that it’s not one mood that’s going to suit everyone, you have another one coming in an hour later. It’s about adapting without having to change a physical space.”
Ashton Holmes sharing his design concept – Image by Design Insider
Inspired by the sculptural calm of architects such as Tadao Ando, the neutral material palette acted as a canvas. Light was absorbed and reflected differently throughout the day, subtly transforming the experience of the room.
The outer acoustic treatment was designed to evoke a rock face, creating the sensation of stepping into a natural landscape. Overhead lighting, inspired by Chinese line art representing wind, introduced movement — symbolic of shifting weather patterns and evolving realities.
Trusted supplier partners helped bring the concept to life, including: Viccarbe, Arper, Adrenalina, Mogu, CecoCeco
M Moser – Merge: Two Journeys, One Experience
Stepping into Merge, the latest lounge concept by M Moser Associates, felt immersive from the outset.
Structured around “two journeys, one experience,” the space balanced guided narrative with open exploration. A tailored VR experience allowed visitors to personalise colour, texture and lighting, watching the space respond in real time.
Merge exploring craft and technology – Image by Office Curator
As Gurvinder Khurana, Director at M Moser, explained:
“Merge invites visitors to play with colour, texture and lighting. A fun way to explore the thinking behind our design process.”
Immersive Merge lounge guiding two journeys – Image by Office Curator
Senior Designer Madeleine McLean added:
“Our design creates a framework that leaves room for curiosity. It is through human interaction, how space actively responds to people, that environments become engaging, meaningful and relevant.”
It was a joy to participate in the stand through the VR headset.
Experiencing Merge through immersive VR design – Image by Design Insider
Collaborators included: Camira, Interface, LedsC4, Osol, Planteria Group, Steelcase, Viccarbe
MCM – The Circular Hub
MCM Architecture delivered one of the most intellectually engaging stands of the show.
The Circular Hub asked: how do you design an exhibition space using circular thinking instead of a linear approach?
Ana Rita Martins championing circular design – Image by Design Insider
Rather than speaking about sustainability in abstract terms, MCM treated it as a live test. The stand was designed to be dismantled, reused and leave almost no trace, challenging the wasteful norms often associated with exhibitions.
Developed with Future Works and Nested Living Ltd, and supported by Materials Assemble, GENCORK, Tate, Planteria Group and Studio Omelette, the Hub traced material journeys from raw to refined.
Furniture partner Vitra played a key role, showcasing its new circular scheme through a hands-on competition. Visitors were invited to dismantle a Vitra Mynt chair to explore how circular design works in practice. Our team dismantled the chair in just 1 minute and 9 seconds – we’re looking forward to hearing the winning time!
Design Insider taking on the disassembly challenge – Image by Design Insider
Ana Rita Martins, MCM’s Sustainability Lead, reinforced this thinking through two thought-provoking panel discussions: “Making Sustainability Your Superpower” and “Reuse – A New Era of Creative Design.”
Milliken – The Sisal Edit
Milliken & Company presented a welcoming stand that both introduced visitors to the breadth of the brand and celebrated a significant anniversary milestone.
The space acted as a clear brand showcase, reinforcing Milliken’s heritage, global reach and commitment to sustainability, while placing innovation centre stage.
Celebrating Milliken’s legacy with workplace designers – Image by Office Curator
The launch of The Sisal Edit introduced a capsule floor tile collection inspired by sisal, seagrass and jute, interpreted for high-performance environments such as workplace, hospitality and build-to-rent interiors.
Designs Looma, Zagora and Meela reinterpret organic textures through tonal softness, chalky whites, warm oat, soft taupe and pale clay, aligning with the growing desire for grounded, biophilic interiors.
Left: Product display Right: The Sisal Edit and tasty cookie – Images by Design Insider
Manufactured in Wigan and part of Milliken’s M/PACT™ programme, the collection integrates durability, acoustics and sustainability, including high recycled content and responsible manufacturing standards.
And, we left the stand with the most delicious pistachio cookie – thank you!
Stage Design and Talks Programme – Connected Realities
Workspace Design Show continues to raise the bar when it comes to stage design, and this year they truly excelled.
The Workspace Design Talks stage, designed by Gensler and Area, was immersive, theatrical and conceptually strong. Responding to Connected Realities, the stage blurred the boundary between physical and digital realms, providing the moderators with the additional challenge to work in the round.
Connected Realities stage – Image by Office Curator
Cosmic tones faded into layered gradients, creating depth and atmosphere. The circular stage placed people at the centre, a subtle but powerful reminder that even in a technology-driven era, human connection remains the grounding force.
The design felt dynamic, almost cinematic, elevating every conversation held within it. Across the programme, conversations were intelligent, ambitious and refreshingly honest.
Alys Bryan chairs VMO2 transformation panel – Image by Office Curator
It was an incredible privilege for Design Insider to lead: Designing a New VMO2 – The office as a catalyst for inclusion during transformation
Chaired by Alys Bryan, with speakers Rod Hogg of VirginMediaO2 and Megan Dobstaff of Gensler, the session explored workplace transformation as a lever for cultural change.
The Inaugural Workspace Design Awards
The first Workspace Design Awards marked a defining milestone.
Hosted by Anna King of Informare and Alys Bryan of Design Insider, the evening celebrated the projects, teams and ideas shaping the future of workplace design.
Celebrating excellence in workplace design – Image by Office Curator
Founders Esha Bark-Jones and Charlie Bark-Jones were recognised for building a platform that brings the sector together not just to showcase products, but to engage in meaningful dialogue around sustainability, adaptability and destination workplaces.
Sponsors included Headline Sponsor Mute, category sponsors Ojmar, Modulyss and Oscar Acoustics, and trophy partner CecoCeco.
Inaugural winners shaping the future of work – Image by Office Curator
Crucially, the judging panel comprised exclusively end-user clients. Judges engaged deeply with submissions, evaluating not only aesthetics but intent, constraints, delivery and long-term impact. The process was rigorous and robust, demanding serious consideration of how projects perform in reality.
Congratulations to all winners and shortlisted teams. To be recognised in this first edition is a genuine achievement!
Fellowes – Engineering Better Workplaces
New Commercial Interiors UK accredited member, Fellowes brought over a century of innovation to the show.
Integrated ergonomic workspace solutions on display – Image by Design Insider
A global leader in workspace solutions, Fellowes has evolved into a brand synonymous with ergonomic performance and workplace wellbeing.
The company showcased award-winning monitor arms, power solutions and cable management systems, presented as essential infrastructure for adaptable, high-performing workplaces. Our team was able to experience their product in person.
Impact Lab – Circularity in Full Colour
The Impact Lab by Impact Acoustic was bursting with energy.
Bio-circular acoustic panels produced live – Image by Office Curator
On the stand, bio-circular acoustic panels were being produced live from Impact Acoustic’s extensive colour palette. Architects and designers could select colours, witness the production process and then see how panels could be fully recycled back into new products.
The atmosphere was vibrant and hands-on, a real buzz of curiosity and experimentation.
Impact Acoustic is showcasing what it believes to be the first building product that is easier to recycle than to produce new. Made from natural and recycled fibres, the panels are fully reprocessable and designed for infinite reuse.
König + Neurath – A Vision Brought to Life
König + Neurath UK’s stand was designed by Shannon Nambiar, a visionary interior designer specialising in retail and commercial spaces, alongside her colleague Samaneh Ahmadzadeh.
Following the success of her design for König + Neurath’s Clerkenwell showroom, Shannon was tasked with translating that considered approach into an exhibition environment.
Modular pieces enabling adaptable workspaces – Image by Office Curator
The result was modular, collaborative and comfortably refined, highlighting customisation and a luxury colour palette, while balancing brand identity, product hierarchy and visitor engagement.
Testing the products firsthand reinforced the philosophy: these are not objects arranged in space, but tools supporting productivity, privacy, focus and dignity.
Supported by Cantarutti Srl, lumii design, BALSAN UK and Noti Furniture, the stand demonstrated how strong narrative design translates seamlessly from showroom to show floor.
A Sector Moving Forward
Workspace Design Show 2026 felt energised, confident and forward-thinking.
From immersive lounges to circular experimentation, from elevated stage design to a rigorous new awards platform, the show reinforced one powerful idea: Workplace design is about connection, responsibility and meaningful impact.
And that trajectory feels exciting!