Patricia
Urquiola
A trailblazing force in the design world, Patricia Urquiola is a Spanish-born architect and designer celebrated for her innovative and influential contributions across various creative domains.
Born in Oviedo, Spain, in 1961, Urquiola's journey into design has been marked by a relentless pursuit of originality, a commitment to human-centric solutions, and a fusion of diverse influences.
In 2001, Patricia Urquiola, alongside her partner Alberto Zontone, founded Studio Urquiola, an interdisciplinary design firm based in Milan. The studio operates at the intersection of industrial product design, architecture, art direction, and strategy consulting. Patricia's approach to each project is deeply rooted in empathy, a principle she absorbed from her mentor, Achille Castiglioni. Building an empathic connection with the end-users becomes the "fundamental element," guiding her through the design process.
Urquiola's design philosophy is a harmonious blend of humanism, technology, and social awareness. She pushes the boundaries of research and technology, continually experimenting to move towards better design and architecture.
Since 2015, Patricia Urquiola has held the esteemed position of Creative Director at Cassina, a renowned Italian furniture brand. Her collaborations extend to other major design companies, including Moroso, Kettal, CC Tapis, Louis Vuitton, Kvadrat, and more. Her extensive portfolio encompasses many projects, from architectural marvels like the Il Sereno Hotel in Como and the Room Mate Giulia Hotel in Milan to innovative product designs for BMW showrooms and Missoni installations.
A driving force in the integration of craftsmanship and industrial research, Urquiola fosters a dynamic balance between heritage and innovation.