Born in Venice in 1935, Tobia, together with his wife, who was born in Montebelluna in 1937, began working at the Venini glass factory in Murano in the 1950s. In 1960, the couple opened their own design studio in Montebelluna and quickly started collaborating with major companies such as Flos, Cassina, B&B Italia, and Knoll. Their work spans from glass objects to furniture and lighting, from interior design to architecture, and it utilizes new materials and cutting-edge technologies. Their design style embraces a decidedly modern aesthetic, prioritizing elegance and comfort. The couple’s products are especially admired for their simplicity and elegance, making them easily comparable to more classic designs.

In the 1960s, the Scarpa couple began a long-term collaboration with the Benetton clothing company. This partnership led to a variety of projects, from the first Benetton textile factory in Treviso (1964) to the design of the company’s offices in Paris and Freiburg (1980), and later in New York (1986). Other notable projects include the iconic 1960 Bastiano collection for Gavina, which consisted of a sofa, chaise longue, and tables — later reproduced by Knoll; the 1966 Coronado armchair series for B&B Italia; a collection of polyurethane upholstered furniture made possible by the then-new technology for shaping cold foam; and the 1973 Papillion lamp for Flos, one of the first lamp designs to use halogen technology.

The work of the Scarpas is part of the collections of many museums worldwide and has been exhibited in numerous temporary exhibitions. Their designs have earned awards in various countries, including the iF Design Award, which they won in 1992.