We're excited to announce that Uplifts will be returning to Grand Designs Live 2026, taking place at the NEC Birmingham from 2nd to 4th October 2026.
This year's event marks an exciting step forward for Uplifts as we move beyond showcasing products and begin leading a wider conversation about the future of residential design. Under our new campaign theme, "Design Better", we'll be challenging architects, designers, developers and homeowners to rethink how accessibility is considered within modern homes.
Why we're attending Grand Designs Live 2026
Grand Designs Live brings together some of the most influential voices in architecture, design and homebuilding, alongside thousands of homeowners looking for inspiration for their next project.
For Uplifts, it provides the perfect platform to showcase how accessibility and great design can work hand in hand.
Too often, accessibility is seen as something to consider later in life or only when mobility challenges arise. We believe there's a better approach.
Through our Design Better campaign, we're encouraging the industry to think differently. Accessibility shouldn't be an afterthought or an add-on. It should be embedded into great architecture from the very first design sketch.
Because better homes begin with better design.
Challenging the future of residential design
At this year's show, we'll be highlighting some of the key principles that sit at the heart of our Design Better campaign:
Great design should work for everyone.
Beautiful homes and accessible homes should be one and the same.
Homes should adapt to people throughout every stage of life.
Accessibility should form part of good design, not simply a response to regulations.
Architects and designers have an opportunity to shape more inclusive communities through better planning and design.
As specialists in homelift and accessibility solutions, we've seen first-hand how thoughtful design choices can help people remain independent, comfortable and confident in their homes for longer.
Visit the Uplifts stand
Visitors to our stand will be able to explore how accessible design can be successfully incorporated into modern homes without compromising aesthetics.
Our team will be on hand throughout the event to discuss:
Inclusive home design principles.
Future-proofing homes from the outset.
Working with architects and developers on accessible projects.
Homelift solutions for self-build, renovation and luxury residential developments.
The latest innovations helping homeowners create adaptable living spaces.
Whether you're planning a new build, renovation or looking for inspiration for future projects, we'd love to meet you.
Join our live stage sessions
We're also proud to be taking to the stage for two thought-provoking sessions during the show.
Design Better: Why inclusive homes should be the standard
Build and renovate theatre
Featuring Louis Stannah, sixth-generation family member, alongside Uplifts’ In-house Occupational Therapist Kate Sheehan and Architectural Designer Karl Lumsden, this thought-provoking discussion will explore why accessibility continues to be treated as an afterthought in residential design, and why architects, developers and specifiers have an opportunity to change this.
As a sixth-generation family business, inclusive living is a subject that sits close to the heart of Uplifts. Drawing on first-hand family experience, as well as the expertise of our in-house specialists, the session will challenge traditional thinking and demonstrate how inclusive design can create better homes for everyone.
Topics will include:
Why accessible design should begin at concept stage.
Challenging current industry perceptions around accessibility.
Moving beyond minimum Building Regulations.
Designing homes people can live in for life.
The role of architects and specifiers in creating inclusive homes.
The latest innovations helping make independent living more achievable.
Better homes start with better design
Home and garden stage
This inspiring session is aimed at homeowners and self-builders looking to create homes that are practical, beautiful and adaptable.
Kate Sheehan and Karl Lumsden will discuss:
Why inclusive design creates better homes for everyone.
How accessibility and aesthetics can work together.
Designing homes that adapt to changing lifestyles.
Future-proofing without compromising design ambitions.
Common misconceptions around homelifts and accessible living.
Leading the conversation on inclusive design
This year, Grand Designs Live is more than an exhibition for Uplifts.
It's an opportunity to start an important conversation about what great residential design should look like in the future.
We believe accessibility shouldn't be viewed as a specialist feature. It should be recognised as a fundamental part of creating homes that are functional, beautiful and fit for every stage of life.
That's why we're asking the industry, homeowners and designers alike to join us in challenging conventional thinking and helping to create a future where homes are designed better from the very beginning.
See you at Grand Designs Live 2026
If you're attending Grand Designs Live 2026, we'd love to welcome you to the Uplifts stand and discuss how thoughtful, inclusive design can help create better homes for everyone.
Keep an eye on our social media channels for more details on our stand location, speaker sessions and exciting announcements as the event approaches.
We look forward to seeing you there.