Patricia Urquiola is a Spanish architect and designer known for her expressive approach to furniture, interiors, and product design. Her work combines strong conceptual thinking with a playful use of materials, colour, and texture. Blending craftsmanship with contemporary technology, Urquiola has developed a distinctive design language that feels both innovative and approachable.
A brief history
Patricia Urquiola was born in Oviedo, Spain, in 1961. She studied architecture at the Polytechnic University of Madrid before completing her studies at the Politecnico di Milano, where she graduated under the guidance of Achille Castiglioni. Early in her career she worked with influential designers including Vico Magistretti, gaining experience in both product design and architecture.
Urquiola’s work often explores the relationship between craft, technology, and everyday life. She frequently experiments with materials and forms, creating pieces that combine softness, comfort, and structural clarity. Her designs are known for their layered textures and inviting character, bringing warmth and personality to contemporary interiors.
B&B Italia — Modern Italian Design Excellence
Work with B&B Ittalia
Patricia Urquiola has been a long-standing collaborator with B&B Italia, creating furniture that blends playful creativity with technical precision and contemporary comfort. Her designs for the brand often feature bold colour palettes, rich textures, and flexible forms that bring warmth and personality to modern interiors.
Among her most recognised contributions is the Tufty-Time Sofa, a modular seating system celebrated for its deep cushioning and adaptable configurations. She also designed the Husk Chair and Husk Sofa, known for their enveloping comfort and distinctive quilted upholstery, as well as the sculptural Bend Sofa, recognised for its fluid, organic form and innovative internal structure. Across her collections for B&B Italia, Urquiola’s work emphasises human-centred design, versatility, and contemporary elegance.
Flos - Italian lighting brand
Work with Flos
Patricia Urquiola has collaborated with Flos to create lighting that blends technical innovation with a distinctive, expressive aesthetic. Her designs often explore texture, colour, and material experimentation, bringing a sense of warmth and character to contemporary lighting.
Among her notable works is the Tatou Lamp, a sculptural design distinguished by its perforated outer shell that filters light to create a soft, decorative glow. She also designed the Almendra Pendant, a contemporary lighting system inspired by organic forms, featuring adjustable modules that allow the light to be arranged in different configurations.
Through these collaborations, Urquiola brings her playful yet sophisticated design language to lighting, creating pieces that are both functional and visually distinctive while complementing modern interior spaces.
