Driven by Transformation: Once again, ARCHITECT@WORK 2026 invites visitors to discover, explore and be inspired – in Frankfurt am Main.
On 2 and 3 December 2026, the exclusive trade fair will open its doors for the third time in Frankfurt, providing a strong year-end boost for the architecture and design industry. The event will once again spotlight innovative product launches, forward-looking solutions, and the central theme of “Transformation.”
As the autumn trade fair season gradually draws to a close, Frankfurt is already gearing up for two days of inspiration, meaningful encounters, and fresh perspectives. ARCHITECT@WORK has long established itself as a key meeting point for the architecture community thanks to its distinctive exhibition concept. The focus is entirely on carefully selected innovations that have been reviewed and approved for presentation by an independent jury.
This unique format offers architects, interior architects, lighting designers, and other specifiers the opportunity to discover new products, explore the ideas behind them, and engage in meaningful exchanges with peers and the more than 150 exhibitors in a relaxed and inspiring setting.
The upcoming Frankfurt edition once again promises a wealth of valuable and inspiring experiences, delivering everything visitors have come to expect from ARCHITECT@WORK. Particular attention will be given to the event programme, which explores the annual theme of “Transformation” from a variety of perspectives and offers thought-provoking insights and discussions.
Also featured is the material exhibition by revalu, showcasing alternative and forward-looking material solutions that address the challenges of tomorrow. Continuing a successful tradition, the sixth Project Exhibition, curated by World-Architects, presents 44 international projects that engage with the theme in diverse ways, demonstrating the vast potential of transforming and adapting existing buildings and urban environments.
The popular Photo Exhibition by World-Architects.com will once again be part of the event, inviting visitors to sharpen their perception of the built environment through a compelling collection of architectural photography. Adding an artistic dimension, Berlin-based electronic subculture artist Robert König (RØB) will present his tape art installation “Tape OVER”, exploring the creative possibilities of adhesive tape and showcasing the material in an unexpected and innovative way. Material exhibit by revalu Art by RØB
One of the undeniable highlights of the event is, of course, the lecture programme, which many ARCHITECT@WORK visitors are already looking forward to. Across both event days, attendees can enjoy a diverse programme featuring six talks, each exploring the theme of Transformation from a different professional and design perspective.
The programme opens with Felix Thumm and Kim Helder of Transsolar, presenting “Leaving overload – rethinking comfort in buildings”, followed by Henry Hess of MÄCKLER ARCHITEKTEN, who will offer insights into the design of Frankfurt Airport’s new terminal in his lecture “Rethinking Air Travel: Frankfurt Terminal 3.” The first day concludes with Stefan Forster’s presentation, “Transformation – Rethinking the existing building stock,” in which he addresses one of the most pressing questions in contemporary architecture today: how to unlock the potential of the existing built environment.
The lecture programme continues with equal diversity on the second day of the event. Malte Just of Just Architekten opens the day with “See something you (don’t) see: Sustainability through design.” This is followed by Ruth Hofmann-Richert of kister scheithauer gross, who presents “Existing buildings as a resource – The transformation of the former Quelle Site in Nuremberg,” highlighting how existing structures can be reimagined and adapted for the future. The lecture series concludes with Dieter Brell of 3deluxe and his presentation “Symbiotic environments.” His talk explores emerging relationships between people, nature, the built environment, and intelligent technologies. As such, the second day once again offers ample opportunity to engage with some of the most pressing challenges and forward-looking approaches in contemporary architecture. For those who may not yet be aware, the lecture programme is organised in cooperation with German-Architects and is officially recognised as continuing professional development by the Chamber of Architects and Urban Planners of Hesse (AKH Hessen). Exhibition of the Nominees for the German Sustainability Award Architecture 2026
Following its great success in Berlin, the Exhibition of the Nominees for the German Sustainability Award for Architecture 2026 will also receive special attention at the Frankfurt edition of ARCHITECT@WORK. The showcased projects demonstrate how ecological responsibility, innovative solutions, and high-quality design can be successfully combined, highlighting the vital role architecture can play in driving transformation and fostering more sustainable ways of living and doing business.
The award has been presented since 2013 by the German Sustainability Award Foundation (Stiftung Deutscher Nachhaltigkeitspreis e. V.) in cooperation with the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB e. V.).
Another highlight of this year’s Frankfurt edition is the collaboration with WDC – World Design Capital, AIV – Architekten- und Ingenieurverein Frankfurt, BDA Hessen (Association of German Architects), and Architekturtourist, which will contribute a dedicated podcast programme. These organisations have been brought on board as partners specifically for the Frankfurt edition of ARCHITECT@WORK, further enriching the event’s multidisciplinary programme and expanding opportunities for dialogue and exchange.
Unlike traditional trade fairs in the construction and architecture sector, ARCHITECT@WORK was conceived by four interior architects specifically for architects, interior architects, designers and specifiers. Carefully selected exhibitors showcase exclusively innovative products, while the exhibition layout itself has been tailored to meet the needs and expectations of this professional audience. Today, ARCHITECT@WORK is held across 26 locations in 13 European countries, providing a unique platform for innovation, inspiration and networking within the architecture and design community.
When
ARCHITECT@WORK Frankfurt
Wednesday, 2 December 2026, 10:00 – 18:00
Thursday, 3 December 2026, 10:00 – 18:00
Location
Messe Frankfurt – Tor West
Hall 11
Straße der Nationen
60326 Frankfurt am Main