ARCHITECT@WORK Lisbon Consolidates Its Position as a Premier Platform for Innovation

Interview with Christophe Vervaeke, Exhibitor Manager

The latest edition of ARCHITECT@WORK Lisbon confirmed the event as an unmissable reference in the contemporary architecture and design landscape. With high satisfaction rates, growth in visitor numbers and an increasingly demanding curatorial approach, the fair once again stood out for the quality of its interactions and the relevance of the innovations presented. In this interview, Christophe Vervaeke, Exhibitor Manager of ARCHITECT@WORK, provides a detailed assessment of this edition, analyses the main emerging trends and looks ahead to what we can expect from the next edition in Lisbon.

MN: Now that the Lisbon edition is over, what is your overall assessment of this year’s event?
This year’s ARCHITECT@WORK Lisbon exceeded our expectations on all fronts. We saw a significant increase in visitor numbers, and both exhibitors and visitors reported a very high satisfaction rate (96% on the exhibitors’ side, and 97 % on the visitors’ side). The atmosphere was dynamic, purposeful and highly professional—exactly what we aim to deliver. The quality of interactions, the relevance of the innovations showcased, and the overall enthusiasm throughout the event stood out as the most positive aspects.

MN: Quantitatively and qualitatively, how would you assess exhibitor participation?
Exhibitor participation was excellent this year. Quantitatively, we had more brands applying than available space, which reflects the event’s growing reputation. Qualitatively, the level of curation was extremely high.
We noticed greater brand diversity, with newcomers joining long-time partners, creating a balanced and inspiring mix.
Innovation was also more visible than ever—brands presented bolder proposals, new materials, smarter technologies and more sustainable solutions, which clearly resonated with the audience.

MN: What about the professional audience?

The professional audience fully met—and in many cases exceeded—our expectations. We welcomed a larger number of architects, interior designers, specifiers and project decision-makers.
The feedback from architects and designers was very positive. They praised the curated format, the depth of the innovations presented, and the ability to engage in meaningful technical conversations with exhibitors.

MN: Compared to previous editions in Lisbon, what developments did you notice?
This edition marked again a clear step forward. The visitor flow was smoother, the quality of the stands and presentations was higher than ever, and the level of preparation from exhibitors was remarkable.
What surprised and delighted us most was the maturity of the event—ARCHITECT@WORK Lisbon is becoming a true reference for professionals seeking innovation. The engagement between brands and visitors seemed deeper and more purposeful.

MN: Behind the scenes, what challenges did you face in organising this year’s event and how were they overcome?
Ensuring optimal layout, managing waiting lists, and maintaining our strict innovation-selection criteria required meticulous planning.
These challenges were overcome thanks to close collaboration with our partners, an experienced organisational team, and continuous dialogue with exhibitors to ensure a smooth and impactful experience.

MN: Innovation is always a central pillar. What emerging trends became clearer after this edition?
This year clearly highlighted a stronger shift toward sustainable materials, circular processes, and high-performance solutions with reduced environmental impact. Technological integration—especially in building automation, lighting and smart material behaviour—was another major trend. Many exhibitors explored ways to combine aesthetics, functionality and sustainability, showing that innovation now lies at the intersection of all three.

MN: One of the characteristics of ARCHITECT@WORK is its highly qualified networking. How did the networking go this year?

Networking was exceptional. The event format—compact, curated and focused—encouraged genuine, high-quality conversations. Exhibitors reported a high rate of relevant contacts, and visitors appreciated the ability to connect directly with technical specialists. The atmosphere remained informal yet highly productive, which is one of the unique strengths of ARCHITECT@WORK.

MN: What impact do you expect this edition to have on the brands present, both in the short and medium term?
In the short term, we expect brands to benefit from immediate visibility, new leads and strengthened relationships with the architectural community.
In the medium term, the event helps position brands as innovators and reference partners for architects and designers working on upcoming projects. Many exhibitors have historically seen long-term collaborations begin at ARCHITECT@WORK, and we anticipate the same positive ripple effect this year.

MN: Can you already reveal anything about the next edition in Lisbon?
– Are there any defined objectives or strategic lines?
Without revealing too much yet, we can say that the next edition, on the 3th and 4th of december 2026, will continue to build on the pillars that have proved successful: innovation, curation, sustainability and high-quality networking.
We aim to further expand the diversity of participating brands, introduce new thematic focuses, and continue improving the visitor experience. Our strategic direction remains clear—elevating Lisbon as one of the standout stops in the international ARCHITECT@WORK calendar.

MN: Finally, what message would you like to leave to the exhibitors, partners and visitors who contributed to the success of this edition?

A heartfelt thank-you to everyone—exhibitors, partners, visitors—who made this edition such a success. Your trust, enthusiasm and commitment to innovation are what give meaning to ARCHITECT@WORK.
We look forward to seeing you again at ARCHITECT@WORK on 3 & 4 december 2026 at FIL in Lisbon and continuing to build an event that genuinely supports and elevates the architectural and design community