How the Architect Show wants to reveal the future of design — in just a few days

Contrasts abound. When it comes to Athens and its flagship exhibition the Architect Show, nothing is ever singular. The city itself, says founder Mariantzela Angelopoulou, is one of ‘contrasts where ancient landmarks meet a thriving creative scene, from world-class museums and galleries to underground art spaces, indie music and its renowned culinary landscape. It's a rich, welcoming experience.’ (And, my word, what an experience. Read my recent Athens report for an immersive picture.)

It’s relatively small but hugely ambitious, packing over 170 brands, specially devised installations and a big-name talks programme – proudly devised by Architonic, ArchDaily and Designboom – into just one fair hall at the Greek capital’s Metropolitan Expo. It’s temporally concentrated, too, with everything taking place over a single weekend in early December. But its scale and brevity, combined with a one-of-a-kind hospitality – create a sort of atmospheric pressure that brings people into inspiring contact with ideas, products, materials and, of course, other professional visitors in an instant.

‘It's an opportunity to discover what's next in architecture and materials, from innovation and new launches to real conversation with the people shaping the industry,’ promises Angelopoulou. With the 2025 edition of the fair taking ‘Regenerative Futures’ as its central theme, expect plenty of circular-design solutions and biophilic architecture, as well as a substantive installation entitled ‘Material. Innovation. Design – Ordine Futuro’, which reimagines the future of materials and spaces.

For brands, meanwhile, tAS offers unfettered access to visiting architects, specifiers and developers – the very stakeholders who influence major decision-making. ‘It's the ideal setting to present new ideas, get feedback and position your brand at the heart of the Greek and South East European design scene,’ Angelopoulou adds.

the Architect Show

6–7 December 2025

Athens Metropolitan Expo

Greece