Patricia Urquiola was born in Oviedo in Spain and now lives and works in Milan. She attended the faculty of architecture of Madrid Polytechnic were she graduated in 1989 having done a thesis with Achille Castiglioni. From 1990 to 1992 she was assistant lecturer on the courses held by Achille Castiglioni and Eugenio. Between 1990 and 1996 she worked for the new product development office of De Padova and with Vico Magistretti designed the products Flower, Loom sofa, Chaise and Chaise Longue. In 1996 she became head of the Lissoni Associati design group, working for Alessi, Antares-Flos, Artelano, Boffi, Cappellini, Cassina, Kartell, and others. At the same time, on her own, she designed for B&B, Bosa, De Vecchi too, Fasem, Kartell, Liv’it, Mdf, Molteni & Co, Moroso and Tronconi and designed stands and showroom for Knoll, Moroso, Sag 80, and Somma. She has been selected for and has won numerous International design awards.

Kartell was founded in 1949 by Giulio Castelli, a chemical engineer who started business by producing plastic articles: car accessories, household goods, laboratory equipment and lamps. Now a vast global brand, Kartell's products have gained prestigious international awards, including 9 'Compasso d'Oro'.