KBSA names Mark Durden-Smith as host of Designer Awards 2027

The KBSA has announced that television presenter Mark Durden-Smith will be the host of the KBSA Designer Awards. The awards form part of an evening of celebration, following the day-long KBB Industry Conference, which will take place on Thursday 13th May 2027 at The Belfry Hotel & Resort in the Midlands.

The KBSA Designer Awards recognise the very best in the independent KBB sector, honouring the creativity, skill and professionalism of KBSA members. Independently judged, they champion both emerging talent and established names alike, and the awards dinner that accompanies the awards ceremony is a fitting celebration.

Acting as master of ceremonies, Mark Durden-Smith will host the evening and present the KBSA Designer Awards to all winners. A well-known television personality, Mark anchored Aviva Premiership Rugby, was one of ITV’s main hosts for its Rugby World Cup 2015 coverage, and has presented This Morning and ITV’s Boat Race coverage. He is also an experienced awards host, with clients including O2, Samsung, Santander, Nestlé and The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

Luke Wedgbury, KBSA Interim Chair, said, “The Designer Awards dinner is not only a celebration of our talented industry, but is also the much-anticipated finale of the conference event. As such, I’m delighted we’ve booked Mark to host proceedings, he’ll no doubt entertain and keep us all in order in equal measure. It’s a fantastic opportunity for members to get together and catch up in the really special surroundings of The Belfry and I’m already looking forward to it!”