COMPLETED PROJECT ·
Aviation
Emirates Airline Workplace Optimization
COFI increased Emirates Airline’s workstation capacity from 11 to 16 employees within its existing office footprint while creating a more open workplace through new Premiera furniture and strategically refurbished storage.
LOCATION
O'Hare
,
Illinois
PROJECT TYPE
Workplace Optimization and Capacity Expansion
INDUSTRY
Aviation
COMPLETED
August
2026
Capacity Increase
11 to 16 Employees · Approximately 45%
Primary Furniture Package
16 Workstations + Seating, Lounge and Breakroom Furniture
Spaces Furnished
Workstation Area + Lounge + Breakroom
COFI Involvement
Planning Through After-Hours Installation
THE PROJECT
Accommodate a Growing Team Within the Existing Office
Emirates Airline needed to create five additional workstations without expanding its existing office footprint.
The office was configured for 11 employees, but the client needed a layout and furniture solution capable of supporting 16 individual workstations. The additional capacity needed to be achieved while preserving comfortable work areas, individual separation, functional storage, and clear circulation.
The client also wanted to refresh the overall workplace and create a more updated, efficient environment. In addition to the primary workstation area, the furniture package needed to address task seating, lounge furniture, and breakroom furniture while remaining aligned with the available annual furniture budget.
THE COFI APPROACH
A Workplace Plan That Evolved With the Client’s Direction
COFI supported Emirates Airline from field measurements and early refurbished-cubicle concepts through redesigned layouts, product procurement, furniture storage, site coordination, and after-hours installation.
01 — MEASURE & EXPLORE
Evaluate the Existing Footprint
COFI began with an on-site visit to take detailed field measurements and evaluate the existing workspace. Using those measurements, our team developed space plans, furniture layouts, and 3D renderings to determine how the office could accommodate five additional employees. The plans allowed the client to compare potential configurations and understand how each option would affect capacity, circulation, storage, and the overall workplace environment.
02 — REDESIGN & SPECIFY
Respond to a New Workplace Direction
After initially exploring refurbished cubicles, the client decided to pursue a more open and modern workstation concept. COFI responded by redesigning the space around 16 new Premiera benching workstations with fabric panel dividers. Our team refined the furniture package around the client’s budget and incorporated a combination of new and refurbished mobile pedestals where appropriate. Task seating, lounge furniture, and breakroom furniture were also selected as part of the broader office refresh.
03 — PROCURE & INSTALL
Coordinate the Transition Around Operations
COFI supported pricing, product selection, corporate review, procurement, and budget timing as the project requirements evolved. After the furniture was purchased, COFI stored it until the office and electrical infrastructure were ready. Delivery, assembly, and installation were completed during a Friday evening and Saturday morning window. Coordinating the work outside normal operating hours allowed the major furniture transition to occur while limiting disruption to the client’s employees and daily operations.
INSIDE THE PROJECT
More Capacity Within the Same Workplace
The new benching layout increased the office from 11 to 16 workstations within the existing footprint.
Three breakroom tables and nine chairs provide employees with a practical space for meals, breaks, and informal conversation.
Coordinated lounge and breakroom furniture extended the workplace refresh beyond the primary workstation area.
Open Emirates office with woodgrain benching workstations, gray privacy dividers, task chairs, and pedestal storage.
THE OUTCOME
Greater Capacity and a More Open Workplace
The completed project increased employee capacity within the existing office while delivering the more open visual direction, functional separation, supporting furniture, and installation schedule the client required.
Five Additional Workstations
The redesigned floor plan increased workstation capacity from 11 to 16 employees without requiring Emirates Airline to expand its existing office footprint.
Approximately 45% More Capacity
The new furniture plan increased the number of supported employees by approximately 45% while maintaining individual work areas and workplace circulation.
New and Refurbished Furniture Combined
New Premiera furniture established the primary workplace design, while strategically selected refurbished mobile pedestals helped maximize the available furniture budget.
Weekend Installation
Delivery, assembly, and installation were completed during a Friday evening and Saturday morning window, minimizing interference with normal business operations.
SOLUTIONS PROVIDED
Support Connected Across the Project.
This project brought together the following COFI commercial furniture solutions.
Explore Another COFI Project
START YOUR PROJECT
Planning a Workplace With Similar Needs?
Tell COFI what is changing, what furniture you already have, and what you know about the location, schedule, budget, headcount, or workplace goals. Our team will help identify the most practical next step.
You do not need a finalized floor plan, furniture list, or complete project scope to begin.