Patricia Urquiola studied architecture at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid and later at the Politecnico di Milano where she graduated with Achille Castiglioni. She worked with Vico Magistretti and later as head of design for Lissoni Associati. Patricia Urquiola opened her studio in Milan in 2001. She designs for major Italian and international companies and some of her products are exhibited in the world's major art and design museums. Patricia Urquiola has been a guest professor at several universities, is a member of the Advisory Board of the Politecnico di Milano and the Scientific Committee of the Fondazione Museo Del Design. Patricia Urquiola was Ambassador of Milan Expo in 2015, the same year she was nominated Art Director of Cassina.