A glimpse into the life of Kaffeeform founder Julian....
Julian Nachtigall-Lechner is a person you wouldn't want to miss having a conversation with. His views and kindness catch your attention quickly. We were really happy that he took the time to chat with us. Julian founded the company 'Kaffeeform' in 2015, making coffee cups out of upcycled coffee grounds. Kaffeeform's story is fascinating, so make sure to read a bit more about it on their website. At Jaeger Morris, besides being in awe of people's professional stories, we are trying to turn the lense towards coffee and focus on the human side of what it brings to us, the communities it helps create and the people involved in the businesses.
Linn actually joined Julian's company for a while during her university years and therefore can attest to Julian being not only kind with his words but also in his actions. He is an employer from 'the olden days' as you might say, supportive of your thoughts and your unique story, so without further ado, here is an extract of our cosy conversation at Julian's Kaffeeform office, but really, it is more than an office; rather a tranquil space where thoughts can flow freely in the middle of busy Berlin...
Where would you say your coffee story begins?
I’d say my very first coffee moments trace back to early trips through Italy sipping strong, dark espressos in classic Italian bars. But my real eye-opener to specialty coffee and its incredible range of flavor profiles happened later on, during an internship in New York City in 2010.
What does your daily coffee ritual look like?
I love brewing a fresh filter coffee every single morning. I usually keep two or three different roasts on hand to rotate through. I really take my time with the brew process. It’s a quiet, mindful ritual for me. I usually pair it with overnight oats and fresh fruit for breakfast.
What is your favourite time to drink coffee?
My morning filter coffee around 8:00 AM is non-negotiable. Then, depending on how the day is unfolding, I’ll treat myself to an espresso around 11:00 AM or 3:00 PM.
Where is your favourite place you ever had coffee?
That’s a tough one, but off the top of my head: deep in the Norwegian woods. We spent a few days in a remote wooden cabin with no electricity or running water, just a nearby stream and a fire pit outside. Brewing coffee over the open fire out there in absolute quiet was pure magic. It tasted incredible.
Are you a coffee in bed person or coffee strictly out of bed?
Haha, on the weekends, absolutely in bed! My wife and I love having our morning coffee right under the covers, along with a light breakfast and a good documentary. For me, that’s the ultimate weekend recipe: a slow, cozy morning paired with learning something new.
How is your company Kaffeeform related to coffee?
We collect spent coffee grounds from local cafés in Berlin and upcycle them into a durable, eco-friendly material. From that, we create new long-lasting products, like reusable cups. In short, we’re giving coffee a second life and extending its story far beyond the cup.
What would you like people to know about you and Kaffeeform in the world of specialty coffee?
It’s amazing how deeply people care about where their coffee comes from and how it tastes. But the value chain shouldn't end after the last sip. I’d love to see the "afterlife" of coffee given much more attention and appreciation across the specialty coffee community.
You developed the idea for Kaffeeform during your time studying in Bolzano. What sparked the idea? Or was there a specific moment you recall creating the idea?
Unsurprisingly, the spark happened right at a coffee counter back in 2009. Watching the barista knock out ground after ground, I wondered: where does all this leftover coffee actually go? After doing some research and finding little beyond basic household tricks, I decided to take matters into my own hands and explore how to repurpose it on a larger scale.
You are a passionate traveller as well — Is there a place where you feel most inspired for your design creations?
Japan has been a huge source of inspiration for me. I’m endlessly drawn to their approach to product design. The absolute clarity, functionality, and focus on minimal materials. There's a subtle, restrained aesthetic there that deeply influences how I think about design.
What has been one of the most profound places you’ve travelled to recently?
I went back to Greece recently and was completely captivated by the landscape all over again. Crystal-clear water, smooth, weathered rocks, and wild herbs growing everywhere you look. It’s a powerful reminder that you really don’t need much to feel fully grounded.
Your Kaffeeform workplace is a space of tranquility and calm — you worked with your wife’s interior design studio Lineatur on creating it, what was important to you in the process?
We wanted to create a sanctuary. A calm, clear space where people genuinely feel good working. The office is very spacious with large windows on both sides looking out into greenery, which feels like a rare luxury in the middle of Berlin. Oh, and inspired by Japan, we have a strict no-outdoor-shoes policy: everyone switches into cozy indoor slippers as soon as they step inside!
Besides working on your company Kaffeeform, how do you most like to spend your days?
Over the past few years, I’ve built a solid morning routine: I go for early runs two or three times a week and complement that with a lot of yoga. The mix of intense running and mindful stretching and breathwork does wonders for my physical and mental well-being.
What are your favourite ways to express yourself creatively? Is there a ritual that helps you to get into your flow state?
I intentionally set aside entire days where I block out all the small, daily operational tasks. I carve out space strictly dedicated to ideas and new concepts. It’s incredible what kind of creative high you can reach once you eliminate those constant micro-interruptions.
What was the most thought-provoking question you were asked recently?
Good question! I was recently asked: "If you couldn't work with coffee grounds, what other waste stream would you try to redesign next?" It really made me reflect on how many everyday materials we take for granted without seeing their hidden potential.
Which are your top 3-5 coffee shops in the world in this moment right now?
At this very moment, I’d love to give a shoutout to these five fantastic spots:
La Cabra in Aarhus
Hakko in Porto
L’Alchimiste Café in Bordeaux
Orsonero Coffee in Milano
Oslo Kaffebar in Berlin
