1995
While Scott + Cooner modern furniture showrooms currently occupy an expansive 21,000 sq. ft. space in Dallas and employ a sizable team of professionals, and recently relocated their Austin showroom (opened in 2000) to a larger 4,500 sq. ft. space, Scott + Cooner had very humble beginnings in 1995.
After doing sales for Knoll, Lloyd Scott opened her own showroom, in a tiny space in what was then the “Design Experience.” Shortly after, she met Josy Cooner, who was working across the street as a sales associate in the Brueton Showroom. The two launched Scott + Cooner in 1995 and moved to the Decorative Center in the Design District in 2003. An Austin showroom was added in 2000. In 2021, Scott + Cooner ownership was acquired by Amanda and Jud Taylor – former employees who are thrilled to be continuing its legacy.
2021
Meet new Scott + Cooner Owners Amanda and Jud Taylor
Right out of the gate, new Scott + Cooner owners Amanda and Jud Taylor have an advantage: They learned from the best. Even before the pair made the decision to buy the renowned Dallas and Austin showrooms from founders Lloyd Scott and Josy Cooner-Collins, as long-time employees, they were well-versed in every aspect of the business.
Jud was first to come on board. In 2014 he took a position managing international logistics. Amanda joined the team two years later, initially as Lloyd’s executive assistant, then transitioning into sales.
“Like most small companies, we all wore multiple hats and learned from the ground up,” says Amanda.
“It has and always will be a team effort—and that’s exactly the way we want it,” adds Jud.
Fortuitously, the couple have complementary skills —hers, in sales, display and vendor relations; his, in finance and operations. When the opportunity to purchase the showroom became available in 2021, Jud and Amanda knew they’d found their true calling.
Their former bosses agreed, providing a huge vote of confidence: “Amanda and Jud have the drive and the ability needed to carry on the Scott + Cooner name,” according to Lloyd.
The transition was seamless. The couple’s work history proved invaluable—not to mention their rapport with employees, vendors and clients. And while setting the bar for modern contemporary design in Dallas and Austin remains the key focus, under the Taylor’s tutelage, it comes with a renewed energy.
“We’re grateful to be part of the next chapter. Our plan is to carry on Lloyd and Josy’s work and legacy, but give it our own spin,” says Jud.
As business owners, the pair sport a couple of mantras. The first relates to buying: “Your best seller may not be our best seller,” a nod to listening to what their clients—not suppliers—want. The second showcases an unwavering commitment to customer service: “We want to tell you before you have to ask us.”