The point is that when we design we try to create something that works. Evolution is basically the products produced by reality that work, and this is by definition. So in essence we try to speed up evolution by designing. We try to predict what works before it gets there by random luck. Obviously the simplest algorithm is to try random iterations that are completely independent of past ones, but this is essentially evolution. So what Linus is in favor of is guided evolution, that is instead of trying random iterations, we try to predict the next working iteration based on past knowledge, and identifying any patterns. Of course everyone probably does this. Unfortunately most people break out of this if they don't understand this, and may be blinded by ego. So when you can't admit you're doing something wrong, you're no longer designing through guided evolution, you're designing by complete random chance at best.

In any case evolution is the absolute process that design tries to mimick because its results are by definition what we are trying to achieve.