Diane McCabe, Scott Group Designer

How did you get where you are today?

I love the quote “Only you can be the architect in your life.” I’ve come this far by working hard, fueling my passions, and finding and creating opportunity, instead of waiting for it. I still have a long way to go.

I’ve also worked as a furniture designer, which has helped with the backwards thinking I need to understand how designs will translate into finished pieces during production. Understanding the materials and techniques we use to make carpet plays an important role in the way I design.

These sketches show the way one idea can lead to another, creating collections with similar elements or ornaments.


What’s your favorite section in the art museum?

Installations are my favorite. I enjoy escaping to a controlled environment and letting the artist take me somewhere else. It’s kind of like jumping into the chalk pictures with Mary Poppins.

For example, I enjoyed the Jenny Holzer exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago where she used text to create pattern and movement. It was fascinating to go back and read her correspondence to find out where the words were drawn from.


What are some of your inspirations?

Nature is amazing. For example, water can take any form or texture and freeze, boil, magnify, shape the earth, or cause rainbows. I especially like the harmony between nature and geometry, and I recognize that same harmony in the clean, geometric lines of Bedermeier and Bauhaus, some of my favorite design movements.

Some carpet and furniture designs influenced by the Bedermeier and Bauhaus design movements.

What are your thoughts on technology?

Technology should be embraced but balanced. In a lot of ways, it can take away the human breath and touch, which really shouldn’t be lost, but balanced.


Where do you go to spot trends?

Trade shows! I love tradeshows.

The Pool Trade Show showcases the best emerging designers, from women’s and men’s apparel to shoes, accessories, and lifestyle products for art, music, and home. I’ve also attended The High Point Market, the largest furnishings industry trade show in the world. If you can’t find it in High Point, it probably doesn’t exist. One day, I would love to attend The International Furniture Show, which showcases high-end designer furniture, classic lifestyles, and trendy accessories. It is a barometer for current and upcoming trends and a centre for creative ideas.


Dream Project?

My dream project would be as an apprentice to Patricia Urquiola, to live in Milan, and work for clients like Cappellini, Cassina, Kartell, B&B Italia, and Moroso.




Patricia Urquiola and a selection of her designs, along with furniture from Moroso and B&B Italia.


What are some designs that inspire you?




Left to right: ONE Chair, Wednessday Garland, PET Bottle by Ross Lovegrove, Chambord French Press, Zippo, Knoll Womb Chair, Telephone Booth, Chanel No. 5, Chesterfield Sofa, Bailetti, Moleskine Notebooks.