After a stint at De Padova co-designing pieces with legendary Vico Magistretti, Urquiola became head of the design division at Lissoni Associati working for brands such as Alessi, Kartell, Flos, Boffi, Cappellini and Cassina, amongst others.

In 2001, Milan-based Urquiola established her eponymous studio focusing on architecture, exhibitions and product design. She has worked with the world's leading Italian and international companies and has been awarded numerous accolades including the Gold Medal of Fine Arts by the Spanish Government and ‘Designer of the Year’ by leading magazines Wallpaper*, AD Spain, Elle Decor and Architektur & Wohnen.