The Story of Terracotta Designs
Rooted in Heritage. Crafted for Today. Inspired by the Soul.
A Brand Rooted in Soulful Design
Terracotta Designs was founded in Austin, Texas in 2013 with a belief that lighting should do more than illuminate—it should inspire. Our name pays homage to the timeless beauty of terracotta: a symbol of culture, history, and handcraft.
Like a tree rooted in European heritage, our brand grows with the times—branching into diverse styles while staying true to artisanal beauty and emotional connection.
From Architecture to Artistry
Scott Tang began as an architect in Shanghai before moving to the U.S. for graduate studies. After a successful career in computer chip design, he returned to his artistic roots with a vision: to create lighting that connects with people’s lives and emotions.
In 2013, at nearly 50, he transformed his career to launch Terracotta Designs—combining his technical mind with a designer’s soul.
Craft Meets Culture
Every Terracotta Designs piece embodies:
• Deep European cultural inspiration
• Authentic hand-applied finishes
• Evolving styles shaped by today’s homes
Whether French provincial, modern artisan, or coastal elegance, our lighting is designed to feel timeless and intimate.
A Tree of Styles
Just as a tree grows new branches, Terracotta Designs has evolved from its French country roots into a full spectrum of styles:
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French Forge
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Mountain Lodge
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American Classic
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Modern Organic
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Coastal
and more...
Today, with over 400 product SKUs, each design expresses a narrative of form, material, and meaning.
12 Years of Growth & Gratitude
From a single region in the Southeast to a coast-to-coast presence, our brand has grown organically:
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300+ dealer showrooms
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30+ sales agencies
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1,000s of designer partners
Key milestones:
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2021 Entry into Contemporary Market, e.g. New York ..
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Showrooms in Dallas, Atlanta & High Point
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Nationwide designer collaborations
What We Stand For Today
Terracotta Designs in 2025 is more than a lighting company. We are a design partner, a creative collaborator, and a brand driven by soul.
We aim to be a destination for designers and homeowners seeking handcrafted pieces that elevate emotion and aesthetic.
“Light should not only illuminate—it should move the soul.”
— Terracotta Designs