Patricia Urquiola

Milan-based Patricia Urquiola is one of today’s most successful and influential designers with her own very distinctive style. Born in Spain, she studied architecture at the Technical University of Madrid, where she wrote her thesis on Italian designer Achille Castiglioni, graduating in 1989. From 1990 to 1992, she was an assistant lecturer on courses co-run by Castiglioni at the Politecnico di Milano. Then, in 1996, she became head of the Lissoni Associati design group, working for companies such as Alessi, Cappellini, Cassina and Kartell. She has since designed furniture for Moroso, B&B Italia and other companies, as well as exhibition stands and showrooms for Knoll and Moroso. Key characteristics of her highly individual work include references to craft traditions, such as weaving and quilting, an emphasis on comfort and an uninhibited love of pattern and colour. Frequently represented at furniture trade fairs, she is equally successful with lighting and materials. She is now one of the leading voices of modern design.