Kate and Scott Seward have built a name synonymous with quality coffee and intentional community gathering spaces in Boise. With the opening of their fifth location, Form & Function continues to push the boundaries of what a coffee shop can be—both in terms of craft and ethical sourcing.
A Name with Purpose
The name Form & Function isn’t just a catchy phrase; it’s a philosophy that drives everything they do.
“The form aspect represents the craft, the art of coffee,” Kate explains. “There’s a creativity in roasting, in brewing, in designing a space that inspires people.”
But coffee is also about connection—about being a part of something larger. “The function part reminds us that we exist within a supply chain, and our responsibility is to make sure we’re engaging in a way that’s sustainable and equitable,” she adds.
For the Sewards, this means sourcing ethically, building relationships with farmers, and ensuring that every part of their business—from their locations to their mobile coffee truck—is aligned with their values.
Full Circle: From Eagle to Boise
Kate’s journey to this point has deep roots in Idaho. Though born in Phoenix, she moved to Eagle when she was nine years old. Back then, Eagle was a small farming community with just a couple of main roads, a stark contrast to the bustling town it has become.
Her father worked in affordable housing, and their family quickly became part of the close-knit community, attending Eagle Nazarene Church and forming lifelong friendships.
“It was such a safe, small town,” Kate recalls. “Coming from Phoenix, it felt like a breath of fresh air.”
Though her family later moved to Nampa, her connection to Eagle remains strong. Now, years later, she finds herself back in the Treasure Valley, helping shape the local coffee culture with Form & Function.
From a Roastery to a Growing Coffee Empire
The journey to opening Form & Function started with The District Coffee House, where Kate worked with the original owners. As she and Scott started their own family, they craved something that provided more financial stability while allowing them to dig deeper into the science and sustainability of coffee.
That’s when Scott encouraged Kate to start roasting.
“Form & Function was really born from the idea that we could create a product that’s high quality, ethically sourced, and builds community,” she says. “It wasn’t just about coffee—it was about creating a space where people could connect.”
They poured their hearts into the first location, focusing on quality and atmosphere. As their reputation grew, so did the opportunities. Developers took notice, offering them spaces to expand.
“At first, we said no. That wasn’t our goal,” Kate admits. “But as we saw what we’d built resonating with people, we realized we could do more.”
Now, with two Form & Function locations, two District Coffee House spots, and a mobile coffee truck, the Sewards are shaping Boise’s coffee scene in a way that blends craftsmanship with ethical responsibility.
Coffee as a Culinary Experience
Kate is passionate about changing how people think about coffee.
“Coffee is like wine,” she explains. “It has the same origins, the same complexities. It’s a food with different attributes based on where it’s grown, how it’s processed, and how it’s brewed.”
To highlight this, Form & Function has introduced coffee flights, allowing customers to experience different beans and brewing methods in one sitting. And they’re taking it a step further—collaborations with local wine companies for tasting events are on the horizon, designed to educate the community on the parallels between the two beverages.
Sourcing their beans from Africa, Guatemala, and Colombia, Kate and Scott are deeply involved in where their coffee comes from. They also acknowledge the challenges of the industry, particularly when it comes to tariffs.
“The tariffs are real,” Kate notes. “They impact pricing and sourcing, but we’re working around it to make sure we can continue to bring in high-quality beans in a sustainable way.”
Balancing Business and Motherhood
Running a business is one thing. Running a business while raising three kids? That’s a whole different challenge.
Kate and Scott are parents to three children—ages nine, six, and three. And like any working mom, Kate has had her fair share of juggling acts.
“The working mom life is real,” she laughs. “I’ve had some epic fails, like dressing my kid up as Dr. Seuss on red, white, and blue day—only to realize Dr. Seuss day was the following week.”
Scott has taken on more of the day-to-day operations, allowing Kate to work from home more and balance mom life. But she’s still very much involved in the business, ensuring that Form & Function stays true to its mission.
