Born in Milan, Achille Castiglioni trained at the Polytechnic of Milan. In 1944 he set up his own Como-based design office with his brothers, Livio, who left the partnership in 1952, and Pier Giacome. In 1956 he became a founder of the Associazione Design Italiano. In 1957, the brothers held an exhibition entitled ”Forme e Colori nella Casa d’Oggi” at the Olmo Villa, Como, which incorporated their highly influential ”ready-made” designs. Since 1969, he has taught industrial design at the Polytechnic of Turin and has exhibited at evety Milan Triennale since 1947. He has received the Compasso d’Oro award seven times, and was highly involved in the founding of the Italian A.D.I. awards.