6 reasons Grand Designs Live is a MUST-VISIT for 2025

Our leading self-build and renovation, home and garden event returns bigger and better than ever to ExCeL London this May. This is why you need to be there...

By Paisley Tedder |

The all new Grand Designs Live, sponsored by Daikin, is BACK – and it’s been revamped for 2025. Excited? So are we…

Expect a refreshed and updated show, taking place at the ExCeL London from 2-5 of May 2025 – it promises to be the one stop shop for everything build, renovation, and home and garden.

This is set to be the most targeted and relevant Grand Designs Live yet, packed with inspiration and fresh ideas – it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience – whether you’re building from scratch, renovating,  adding an extension, or updating your interior or garden, our five expert-led hubs cover everything from Build and Renovation to Kitchens and Bathrooms, Home and Garden, and Sustainability.

Got house plans or big dreams? Head to the Architecture Hub, where RIBA architects are ready to offer free personal consultations to help bring your vision to life.

Of course, the show will also host over 250+ exhibitors covering every corner of homebuilding and renovation – from interiors and garden design to kitchens, bathrooms, and more – you’ll find expert help and fresh inspiration at every turn.

Whatever your vision, you’ll find the tools, products and advice to create your own Grand Design at home. Still mulling it over? Here’s more on why this year’s show is a must-visit…


To find out more and buy tickets to Grand Designs Live, click here.


1. Tour the Grand House, in association Hive

The star attraction this year is the Grand House – our own Grand Design, built at the very heart of the show.

On your day, make it a priority to explore this 400sqm London House with Edwardian facade that will bring the world of Grand Designs to life.

Step inside a modern dream home…

The space will be transformed into a stylish, open-plan haven – complete with a show-stopping living area, Everyman-style cinema room, luxurious bedroom, and a cutting-edge kitchen with state-of-the-art appliances.

Floor-to-ceiling glass doors flood the space with light and open out onto a beautifully designed garden with zones for dining, lounging… even a plunge pool.

Behind the scenes, a high-tech plant room showcases the home’s green credentials – including an air source heat pump, solar panels, battery storage, and full insulation (internal, external and loft), MVHR system and all managed by the Hive app.

Experts from all the brands involved will be available to answer questions and share stories behind their design choices, including Samsung, Blanco, Nispero and Butler Hartwell.

Photo: Grand Designs Live

2. Brand new dedicated theatres

There’ll be dedicated theatres (Build and Renovation, Sustainability, Kitchen, and Home and Gardens) showcasing some of the most knowledgable experts around, covering a range of topics from sustainability to innovation – whatever the nature of your project, you’ll find something to inspire you.

Plus, you’ll also be able to hear how others made their dream a reality.

The Build and Renovation theatre will have panel discussions covering everything from planning through to project execution.

Kevin McCloud and Kunle Barker will host across all stages whilst the Sustainability theatre will be hosted by Max McMurdo and involve discussions n the best ways to achieve your self-build in a sustainable way.

At the Kitchen theatre, the content will cover all aspects of kitchen and bathroom building from the experts in the field.

Finally, the Home and Gardens theatre is in partnership with the Society of Garden Designers and BIID and will be the place to go for advice on indoor and outdoor living.

Photo: Grand Designs Live


To find out more and buy tickets to Grand Designs Live, click here.


3. Advice centres

Do you have a burning question you’d like advice on in your latest build or renovation? Get one-to-one advice for free from experts for your project at one of the advice centres.

There’ll be dedicated advice centres for Architecture, Build and Renovation, Home and Garden and Kitchen and Bathrooms.

Who wouldn’t want to grab the chance to pick the brains of an expert? Just make sure you book.

Booking in advance is highly recommended. Visit the Grand Designs Live website for further details.

Ask an Expert at Grand Designs Live Highlights 2023

Photo: Media 10

4. Celebrating 25 years of Grand Designs

Last year, Grand Designs on Channel 4 celebrated turning 25 – so what better reason could there be to come and visit Grand Designs Live and be part of the next 25 years of self build success?

Plus, to mark this milestone, there’ll be a selection of suppliers from the last 25 years on the show – so visitors will be able to get unique advice from suppliers that have featured on the show, as well as being able to actually purchase products they’ve seen on screen.

Make sure you come along to celebrate some of the most impressive and memorable self-build projects from over the years…

Kevin McCloud cuts the ribbon to open the 19th edition of ‘Grand Designs Live’ at London’s ExCeL, showcasing the latest innovations in home design.

Photo: Media 10

5. Emerging brands

This year we’re really excited for the Emerging Brands feature – all about discovering the freshest talent and most exciting innovations that are just breaking into the market.

Brands at the show include tomeasure, Tyrecrete and Lakeland Paints – discover the full list of emerging brands that will feature at Grand Designs Live 2025 here.

Who will be the next big thing? Come and visit to find out…

Grand Designs Live Highlights 2023

Photo: Media 10

6. Kevin McCloud’s Green Heroes

Every year, Kevin McCloud’s Green Heroes celebrates the very best conceptual and eco-friendly construction ideas.

Grand Designs icon Kevin personally selects his top heroes for every show – from small-scale start-ups to big businesses setting a green example for the rest of the industry.

This year, Max McMurdo will be showcasing these incredible products in the Sustainability Theatre.

Highlights this year include bio-based furnishing solutions from Interesting Times Gang, uniquely designed power banks with cases made from recycled materials from Gomi Power Bank, tables made from British gypsum and water based resin from Selfish Customs and more.

Photo: Media 10

Grand Designs Live will be open between 10am-5pm every day between 2-5 May 2025.


Buy your tickets to Grand Designs Live here.

SCROLL FOR MORE LIKE THIS