London Design Festival 2026: AiM's 'In Progress' modelmaking exhibition launches at Material Source Studio London.

For our first London Design Festival at Material Source Studio London, we're launching a new modelmaking exhibition in collaboration with AiM (Architects Index of Modelmaking), with architectural models never-before-seen in public on display here at 120 Saffron Hill.

From Monday 14 September 2026, you can explore the work of global practices, from OMI to Make Architects, Common Practice to Purcell, as part of 'In Progress' - a celebratory, curated exhibition from the Architects Index of Modelmaking showcasing how architects communicate ideas through physical models.

Following the evolutionary journey of architecture from concept, to model, to finished building, the exhibition too will follow a journey of its own. Having hosted the Making Matters exhibition with AiM earlier in the year at our Manchester Studio - welcoming thousands of visitors through our doors - we now embark on the next chapter in our partnership with AiM.

In Progress is a 3-year exhibition and events programme that opens at Material Source Studio London during the London Design Festival in 2026, travels to Venice for the 2027 Architecture Biennale, and returns to Material Source Studio Manchester in 2028.

AiM's In Progress is led by the B.15 Modelmaking Workshop at Manchester School of Architecture, delivered in partnership with Material Source Studio, the European Cultural Centre, Manchester Society of Architects, and Sixteen3.

"Design is not linear and the role of the model in developing our understanding as we work through problems is unique."

A snapshot of the practices exhibiting in London includes:

• Omar Gandhi Architects
• Common Practice
• Mistry Swire Architects
• OMI
• Artform Architects
• Other People’s Dreams
• MAKE
• Studio Benjamin Machin
• Purcell
• Studio Naama
• WW+P
• Kieron Gait Architects

Further details of all the practices involved will be unveiled imminently - stay tuned to our social channels to be first in the know.

In Progress opens on Monday 14 September at Material Source Studio London. You are not required to book, and entry is free for architects, interior designers, and property professionals.

What else is happening during LDF?

Daily Studio Tours

In addition to our usual offering Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, you can visit us during LDF for a Studio tour.

Explore new products from our Partners comprising 20+ built environment brands, spanning interior finishes and architectural elements, through to integrated systems.

Discover our Future Materials Library®, featuring 100+ innovative and regenerative material samples, and see our current ‘What’s New’ display, showcasing new Partner products through a collaborative installation.

Find out more about what you can do at our Studios, from events, meeting and collaborating in our spaces, to exploring original content and insights online.

Our Studio is open Monday 14 September - Friday 18 September, 9am-5pm, as normal, and Tours by our team can be pre-booked here.

Exclusive Partner events

During LDF 2026, our Partners will host a series of free events for architecture and interior design professionals.

The full programme will be shared via our What's On page. And below you'll find details of the first set of sessions.

Arte Wallcoverings

Step into the soul of Mysuru at this drop-in session, where Arte unveils its latest wallcovering collection. Discover the artistry behind each design as the team exclusively reveals the innovative processes inspired by the city’s rich heritage, while savouring South Indian flavours, including the iconic Mysore Pak.

• When: Daily between Monday 14 September-Friday 18 September, 2pm-3pm
• Where: Arte Wallcoverings POD, Material Source Studio London, 120 Saffron Hill, London, EC1N 8TS
• Drop in session, no booking required

Impact Acoustic

Join Impact Acoustic at Material Source Studio London for an easy-going, hands-on Archisonic Felt Dog Workshop during London Design Festival. Along the way, gain insights into alternative joining techniques and circular design principles without the need for glue.

Learn about sustainable acoustic systems and discover how no-glue joining options can be used to create playful, functional forms. Using Swiss precision CNC cutting technology, you’ll work with pre-cut Archisonic Felt elements to create your own Felt Dog.

The workshop offers a relaxed way to step away from the busy festival atmosphere, experiment with materials, and connect with fellow architects and designers in an informal setting.

• When: Wednesday 16 September, 1pm-3pm
• Where: Material Source Studio London, 120 Saffron Hill, London, EC1N 8TS
• Book here

Find out more about London Design Festival & plan your visit here