“Connected Realities”: 2026 Edition of Workspace Design Show in London Reveals Bold Theme Exploring the Fusion of Physical and Digital Workplaces.
The future of work isn’t physical versus digital. It’s both, beautifully and intelligently intertwined. That’s the driving force behind Connected Realities, the newly announced theme for Workspace Design Show, taking place 25–26 February at the Business Design Centre, London.
This edition invites exhibitors and visitors alike to explore how hybrid models, immersive technologies, and smart environments are reshaping the workplace, not just as spaces we use, but as environments we feel, engage with and belong to.
“We’re moving beyond furniture and floorplans. Today’s most successful workplaces behave almost like living organisms, responsive, sensory, and human,” says Esha Bark-Jones, Event Director for Workspace Design Show. “Connected Realities is a celebration of that evolution, the moment where physical design and digital intelligence finally operate in harmony.”
Rather than treating the theme as a backdrop, Workspace Design Show is turning it into a full-scale design challenge, asking exhibitors to interpret Connected Realities through the way they build and behave within their stands. Whether through AR-enabled product demos, blended material palettes, live data walls or wellbeing-driven sensory environments, the show floor is set to become a living exhibition of this reality’s workplace behaviour.
A few of the leading brands already confirmed to participate include König + Neurath, Sedus, Bisley, Pedrali, Interface, Kvadrat, and Forbo, each set to showcase not just products, but perspectives on how connection between people, space and technology can elevate performance, culture and everyday joy at work.
We are also working closely with our design partners Gensler, Peldon Rose, MCM Architecture, M Moser Associates and Area to bring this theme to life.
Adding to the excitement, the inaugural Workspace Design Awards will take place live at the show on 25 February 2026, celebrating completed workplace projects from around the world. The Workspace Design Awards are assessed by senior occupiers, developers and workplace transformation leaders, meaning entries are evaluated from the perspective of the people who actually live with the results.
Entry is free and open to architects, interior designers, design consultancies, fit-out companies, occupiers, developers and workplace strategists for projects completed between 1 January 2023 – 30 October 2025. Full details at workspaceshow.co.uk/awards
Workspace Design Show is inviting the industry not just to attend but to participate in a collective showcase of how work can evolve when physical and digital no longer compete but collaborate.
Key Dates
Workspace Design Show London: 25–26 February 2026
Workspace Design Awards Ceremony & Show Party: 25 February 2026
Awards Entry Deadline: 31 October 2025
“Workplaces that Energise, Inspire, and Tell a Human Story” – Judges Reveal What Makes an Award-Winning Entry at the Workspace Design Awards
What makes a winning workplace design? According to the judging panel of the brand-new Workspace Design Awards, it’s not just about glossy finishes and clever layouts; it’s about people, culture, and stories that bring workplaces to life.
Launching at Workspace Design Show (Business Design Centre, London) on 25 February 2026, the Workspace Design Awards will celebrate the very best in completed workplace projects and innovative concepts. From Office Design of the Year to Sustainable Workplace and Best Retrofit, the awards spotlight real-world impact and spatial excellence, judged exclusively by senior occupiers, developers, and project managers.
What the judges are looking for:
- “A clear purpose and compelling narrative, with originality and killer imagery.” – Paula Rowntree, Head of Workplace Design, Future Workplace, Lloyds Banking Group
- “Creativity that brings culture to life, reflecting the personality of the organisation and its people.” – Sue Glew, Programme Director, BT
- “Stories that sweep us from vision to ribbon-cutting – with honesty, humour, and human impact.” – James Saunders FCIOB, Global Projects Director, Arcadis
- “Spaces that energise, motivate and make people feel seen and inspired.” – Kornélia Kiss, Global Workplace Transformation Lead, Sanofi
- “Honesty, creativity, and a touch of bravery — if it makes us smile, nod, or even debate, it’s a winner.” – Lewis Barker, Director, Workplace Services EMEA, ServiceNow
- “Aesthetics matter, but function, inclusivity, wellbeing and biophilic balance are what make a workplace truly work.” – Steve Wright, Director of Workplace Design & Change Management, GSK
- “Spaces that are human-centred, not ego-centred — balancing function with flair and sparking joy every day.” – Diego Henriques, Global Director Workplace, Facilities & Real Estate, Reckitt
- “Workplaces should be inviting, flexible and sustainable — the kind of places people want to commute to.” – James Stratford, Head of Workplace, AXA XL
- “Design that truly works for people – supporting wellbeing, diversity and inclusion, with genuine sustainability impact.” – Sarah Audsley, Independent Workplace Professional
- “The best designs treat people as the real building material — culture, behaviour, and belonging matter more than shiny gimmicks.” – Jennifer Bryan, Founder, ABChange Consultancy
Key Dates
- Entries open: 1 September 2025
- Entry deadline: 17 October 2025
- Shortlist announced: 6 January 2026
- Awards Ceremony: 25 February 2026, Business Design Centre, London
Entry is free and open to architects, interior designers, design consultancies, fit-out companies, occupiers, developers and workplace strategists for projects completed between 1 January 2023 – 30 October 2025.
For guidelines and submission details, visit https://workspaceshow.co.uk/awards