Andrea Steidl ran the design floor at Patricia Urquiola's studio

Few designers earn their stripes closer to the centre of Italian design: Andrea Steidl spent years inside Patricia Urquiola's practice, rising to Creative Manager and holding that role until 2016 — responsible for the entire design department, from limited editions to temporary and site-specific installations and interiors. He trained as an industrial designer at Milan Polytechnic, and later co-founded the studio àr o with Raquel Pacchini.

Four pieces in the LaCividina catalogue carry his name — Dorothea, Keisho, Nap and Suiseki, the sculptural seating family — and LaCividina is one of the upholstery houses La Mercanti specifies for waiting areas and reception. Managing other people's design teaches you what survives production: his own work shows it.