Driven by emerging technology and a constant desire to improve the design and use of objects, George Sowden developed the Softbrew brewing device for coffee. The micro-etched filter has holes so minute that coffee grinds are kept completely separate from the brewed coffee. Mette Hay met up with Sowden at his studio in Milan for a conversation about making and drinking coffee with the Softbrew and the new HAY Coffee and Tea Pots.