On Monday 12 June I had a meeting with Cyan.

The studio was founded by Daniela Haufe and Detlef Fiedler in 1992 and is a flexible team that includes a few other designers in the mix. Cyan was recently honoured with two prestigious engagements in France – the studio was featured as part of the Berlin focus of the 2006 International Poster and Graphic Design Festival of Chaumont and was also the subject of an exhibition at Galerie Anatome in Paris.

Cyan has worked with a host of Berlin cultural clients and has created a stimulating body of work that has left an indelible impression on the design culture of the city.

Daniela invited me to join the Cyan team at the studio for their Monday morning coffee.

I was not sure what to expect. I was charmed with what I discovered. The time I shared with Cyan was wonderful and the coffee ritual I encountered was an informal family-like activity that suggested a very special studio environment. Everyone was involved in some way. Daniela prepared the percolator while Detlef warmed the milk and Julia gathered the cups. Katja talked with me while she prepared the balcony. I feel privileged to have shared this time with Cyan and although it might not sound like an astonishing insight I think it is these moments that help make an environment special.