About Steppaffid

A Berlin studio devoted to café interiors that feel grounded, generous, and unmistakably local.

Founded in 2016 on Torstraße, Steppaffid grew from a two-person drafting practice into a full concept studio serving independent hospitality operators across Berlin and Brandenburg.

We believe a café interior should work as hard as the barista behind the counter — guiding flow, framing conversation, and ageing gracefully under daily service. Our palette draws from forest greens, warm timber, and brass hardware that patinas rather than dates.

Our Philosophy

Every project begins with observation: how light enters at 7 a.m., where coats pile up in winter, how acoustics shift when the lunch rush hits. We translate these patterns into spatial concepts that support your operational rhythm and brand story.

We do not chase trends. We specify materials with proven durability in high-traffic hospitality environments — FSC-certified timber, low-VOC finishes, and locally fabricated brasswork where possible.

Leadership

Elena Stepp

Founding Director · Spatial Design

Former set designer turned hospitality specialist. Leads concept development and client workshops.

Marco Affid

Creative Director · Material Research

Architect by training. Curates material palettes and oversees supplier relationships across the EU.

Lena Vogt

Studio Manager · Project Coordination

Coordinates timelines, budgets, and fit-out partners from briefing through handover.

Recognition

Our work has been featured in Café Culture Magazine, Berlin Design Week, and the German Hospitality Association's annual interiors survey. We remain a studio of twelve, by choice — every client works directly with senior designers.