Osvaldo Borsani was born in 1911 in Varedo, Italy, into a family of skilled furniture makers. His father, Gaetano, owned the Atelier di Varedo, where Osvaldo received early training under the influence of architect Gino Maggioni. This formative experience, combined with his studies at the Accademia di Belle Arti and Politecnico di Milano, instilled in him a passion for merging craftsmanship with modernist ideals. Borsani's work, celebrated for its elegance and innovation, found expression in notable projects like Villa Borsani, where he integrated contemporary design with collaborations from prominent artists such as Lucio Fontana.

In 1953, Borsani co-founded Tecno with his twin brother Fulgenzio. Tecno quickly established itself as a leader in contract furniture, known for its elegant and functional designs.  Borsani's enduring legacy is marked by numerous awards and a profound influence on contemporary design, underscoring his lasting impact on generations of designers and architects.