At the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport, thoughtful design and long-term performance go hand in hand. As passenger expectations continue to evolve, airport leadership set out to transform the terminal into a more welcoming, hospitality-driven environment, one that balances comfort, durability, and operational efficiency within a demanding public-use setting. Integra Seating met the project’s demands.

A trusted relationship played a central role in achieving that vision. Chuck Gannon and designer Amy Lee of Workplace Interiors partnered with the airport for decades, supporting multiple renovation phases and guiding furniture selection throughout the facility. Having built strong confidence with airport leadership through years of successful projects, Gannon and Lee were invited to evaluate seating options during a major terminal renovation that sought to move away from traditional rows of gate seating toward more relaxed lounge environments.

The goal was clear: create spaces that felt less like an airport and more like a modern public gathering place where travelers could rest, work, and recharge. As passenger habits shifted, particularly during and following the pandemic, when travelers began arriving earlier for flights, the need for flexible, comfortable seating became even more important.
Working closely with the airport facilities team and design partners, Workplace Interiors introduced seating solutions from Integra Seating. Integra assisted in reviewing layouts, providing samples, and complying with budget considerations, reinforcing confidence in both the product and the partnership. Rather than altering the designer’s aesthetic vision, the team maintained the specified fabrics while integrating Integra’s modular Coffee House Collection in customized configurations that enhanced functionality without compromising design intent.

Over several renovation phases, Integra seating became a consistent element throughout the terminal. Integra’s Coffee House seating in different styles, fabrics, and configurations successfully replaced hundreds of traditional gate seats, introducing softer, more hospitality-inspired spaces that better reflect how travelers use airports today. Additional installations followed in food service areas, check-in zones, baggage claim spaces, and a meaningful Veterans Memorial area honoring local service members. Each environment requires furnishings capable of handling constant traffic, rolling luggage, and rigorous daily use.