By Amanda Chevalier, CFI Workspace
2025 marks a major milestone for CFI Workspace: 40 years of shaping spaces throughout the greater Philadelphia region. This anniversary is the perfect opportunity to reflect on where we’ve been and where we’re headed, especially as organizations rethink how their workspaces evolve to meet new challenges. Central to these transformations is a principle we’ve always embraced: creating workspaces that cultivate meaningful connections.
The Evolution of Workspace Design
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift to remote and hybrid work models, changing how and where people worked. Now, as the world finds its rhythm again, companies face a new challenge: how to bring people back to the office. At CFI Workspace, we partner with clients to navigate this shift, creating workspaces that prioritize connections – between colleagues, teams and entire communities – while enhancing productivity.
What Are Relationship-Based Workplaces?
A relationship-based workplace recognizes that human connection is at the center of employee engagement and success. Fostering those connections requires thoughtful design to create spaces where people can collaborate, spark creativity, and build camaraderie. These are the spaces where both individuals and organizations thrive.
It starts with understanding and supporting three key levels of interaction:
1. Individual: Personal well-being and focus.
2. Group: Team collaboration and communication.
3. Community: Shared experiences and connections.
Linking Relationships to Workspace Design
People are the heart of every organization, and when employees feel inspired and engaged, companies flourish. The right workspace plays a huge role in that. Over time, workplace design has shifted from closed-off cubicles to wide-open layouts—neither extreme works on its own. Today’s workspaces must balance focused, individual work with collaborative team interactions.
At CFI Workspace, we developed a guide to create spaces that strengthen relationships at every level. Here’s how it comes to life:
• For Individuals: People need spaces where they can focus, reflect, and recharge. We design beyond traditional cubicles, incorporating cozy “alone together” areas like study halls or semi-private nooks for quiet time.
• For Groups: Team collaboration thrives in adaptable, inclusive spaces. While boardrooms still have their place, today’s meeting spaces often feature flexible layouts that encourage interaction.
• For Communities: Building company-wide connection means creating areas where everyone feels welcome. Whether it’s a hub for brainstorming or a café-style space for casual conversations, these shared environments foster meaningful interactions and a sense of belonging.
Turning Vision into Reality
Designing dynamic workspaces takes more than great ideas—it takes experience, creativity, and the right tools. At CFI Workspace, we combine decades of hands-on expertise with cutting-edge technology like MillerKnoll Compass. This data-driven platform helps us streamline the design process and develop solutions tailored to each client’s culture, goals, and work style.
Looking Ahead
As we look back on 40 years of CFI Workspace, one thing is clear: the connections we build—with our clients, our partners, and our team—are what drive everything we do. Looking ahead, we’re excited to implement new trends, concepts, and technology to help our clients create spaces where people thrive. Here’s to shaping the next four decades with innovation, collaboration, and a focus on what truly matters: people.
Amanda Chevalier is the president/owner of CFI Workspace. With over 20 years in the commercial furniture industry, Amanda Chevalier leads CFI Workspace, the largest certified woman- and minority-owned MillerKnoll dealership in the U.S. She uses her leadership to support businesses in Greater Philadelphia, driving innovation and community impact.