Patricia Urquiola was born in Oviedo (Spain) and currently lives and works in Milan.
She graduated from the Faculty of Architecture at the Technical University of Madrid in 1989, after completing a thesis with Achille Castiglioni. From 1990 to 1992, she was assistant lecturer to both Achille Castiglioni and Eugenio Bettinelli at the Milan Polytechnic and the E.N.S.C.I. in Paris.
Between 1990 and 1996, she worked in the new product development office of De Padova and, with Vico Magistretti, signing the products: “Flower”, “Loom sofa”, “Chaise” and “Chaise Longue”.
From 1993 to 1996, she worked with the architects de Renzio and Ramerino and was engaged in architectural design, showrooms, restaurants and franchising (Maska/Italy, Tomorrowland Stores/Japan, Des Pres/France).
In 1996 she became head of the design department at Lissoni Associati, working for many different international brands.
Her products were selected for the Italian Design 2001 exhibition. In 2001 she was chair of the jury for the 19th CDIM Design Award and was lecturer at the Domus Academy.
She is currently working in her own practice in Milan in the fields of design, exhibitions, art direction and architecture.