Tobia Scarpa, son of the renowned architect Carlo Scarpa, was born in Venice in 1935. He studied architecture at the IUAV in Venice, where he met Afra Bianchin—his lifelong partner in both life and profession. The couple graduated in 1957 and married shortly after, embarking on a brilliant creative partnership. Following a brief period working for the Murano-based glassmakers Venini, Tobia and Afra opened their own studio in Montebelluna, nestled in the Veneto countryside where Afra had grown up.

Their first design piece, the Pigreco chair, was created in 1959 during a university course in Interior and Decorative Design led by Franco Albini. Conceived for Gavina—later acquired by Knoll—Pigreco was a daring departure from convention. Its two rear legs converge so closely they form a single structural point, remaining faithful to the triangular geometry that inspired Scarpa’s original concept. The piece, now reissued in a limited edition by Tacchini, was the first in a long series of designs that would cement their place in design history.

Their armchair 925, designed for Cassina in 1966, is held in the permanent collection of MoMA in New York, while the Libertà chair for Meritalia is part of the Contemporary Art collection at the Louvre. Their most iconic creation, the Soriana lounge chair—also for Cassina—was awarded the Compasso d’Oro in 1970. Between 1962 and 1975, the couple designed several lighting pieces for Flos, including Fantasma, Foglio, Biagio, Pierrot, Ariette and Papillona. Their Coronado sofa, designed in 1966 for B&B Italia, remains to this day a timeless symbol of relaxation.

Although better known for his work in design, Tobia Scarpa has also developed notable architectural projects. In addition to single-family homes and residential buildings, he and Afra oversaw the design and construction of industrial facilities, including Benetton’s first factory and numerous retail stores for the brand around the world. In 2008, Scarpa was awarded the Compasso d’Oro for lifetime achievement.