WHO WE ARE

It is all about teamwork, and together being visionary leaders who guide – but more importantly – who listen and support.

Brooke Jacobson, AIA, LEED AP, CDT

Principal
Email: bjacobson@cnharch.com
Tel: 952-997-4585

Quinn Hutson, AIA, LEED AP

Principal
Email: qhutson@cnharch.com
Tel: 952-997-4583

Al Tsai, CSI CDT®, NCARB, NOMA

Associate Principal (WI, IA, MO)
Email: atsai@cnharch.com
Tel: 952-997-4584

Timothy Nielsen, LEED AP BD+C

Associate Principal
Email: tnielsen@cnharch.com
Tel: 952-997-4598

Brittany Koester

Interiors Department Manager, Project Manager
Email: bkoester@cnharch.com
Tel: 952-997-4581

Jess Harter, NCARB

Architect
Email: jharter@cnharch.com
Tel: 952-997-4595

Liz Elton, NCIDQ, CID

Certified Interior Designer
Email: lelton@cnharch.com
Tel: 952-997-4594

Morgan Larson

Designer
Email: mlarson@cnharch.com
Tel: 952-997-4588

Jon Vandervelde, RA

Project Architect
Email: jvandervelde@cnharch.com
Tel: 952-997-4590

Jill Hamilton

Marketing Director
Tel: 952-997-4580

Matt Efteland, AIA, NCARB

Architect
Email: mefteland@cnharch.com
Tel: 952-997-4597

Jeff Aviles

Designer
Email: javiles@cnharch.com
Tel: 952-997-4591

Zoey Erickson, NCIDQ

Certified Interior Designer
Email: zerickson@cnharch.com
Tel: 952-997-4592

Tyler Voigt, LEED Green Associate

Designer
Email: tvoigt@cnharch.com
Tel: 952-997-4587

Mariah Zeien

Designer
Email: mzeien@cnharch.com
Tel: 952-204-1844

Address

CNH Architects, Inc.
7300 W. 147th St.
Suite 504
Apple Valley, MN 55124
United States
Phone: 952-431-4433

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Brooke Jacobson, AIA, LEED AP, CDT

  • University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, B.S., Architectural Studies
  • Iowa State University, M. Arch
  • Registered Architect, Minnesota
  • LEED Accredited Professional
  • Construction Document Technologist (CDT)
  • AIA
  • Gamma Phi Beta International Volunteer
  • Why did you choose architecture?

    I developed my passion for architecture from my grandfather who got me interested in the industry at a very early age. He was an architect and would share his experiences with me, whether it was visiting one of his construction sites or touring around the cities looking at all the fascinating buildings.

  • Best place you have ever traveled?

    Italy. I studied there in college and visited one other time. The food and ancient buildings keep drawing me back!

Quinn Hutson, AIA, LEED AP

  • University of Minnesota, Bachelor of Architecture
  • Registered Architect in Minnesota
  • Certified Interior Designer in Minnesota
  • LEED Accredited Professional
  • American Institute of Architects (AIA)
  • Firm Membership in the US Green Building Council
  • Rotary International, past President Eagan Rotary
  • Eagan Rotary Foundation, past Chair
  • Best place you have ever traveled?

    Travel is one of my favorite pastimes and I have been to many wonderful locations around the world. A few that stand out are Thailand for relaxation and food, Greece for classical architecture, and New Zealand for its beautiful countryside.

  • What is something others might not know about you?

    During the summers of my high school and college years my best friend had a DJ business, and I would help him play at dances and other events. I know all the songs from the 70’s and 80’s, hits, and often deep tracks as well.

Al Tsai, CSI CDT, NCARB, NOMA

  • University of Washington, B.A., Architecture
  • Registered Architect (WI, IA, MO)
  • CSI CDT
  • PSMJ, Project Management
  • Construction Specifications Institute
  • National Organization of Minority Architects
  • National Fire Protection Association
  •  
  • ACE Mentor Program of America
  • Headcount
  • Dakota County Public Art Advisory
  • Coalition of Asian American Leaders
  • What does your perfect day look like?

    A sunny day on an ocean beach

  • Favorite sports team to cheer on?

    Seattle Seahawks, Minnesota Vikings and Timberwolves

  • Best place you have ever traveled?

    Tulum, Mexico

Timothy Nielsen, LEED AP BD+C

  • University of Nebraska, B.S., Architecture
  • University of Kansas, M.Arch
  • Registered Architect, Minnesota
  • LEED Accredited Professional Building Design + Construction
  • NCARB
  • Why did you choose architecture?

    I enjoy the process and challenges of improving the built environment.

  • Favorite sports team to cheer on?

    Vikings, Twins, Wolves, Wild, Lynx, MN United FC, Gophers, Saints, and the English Premier League

  • Best place you have ever traveled?

    Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas

Brittany Koester

  • University of North Dakota, M.A., Architecture
  • What is the best place you’ve ever traveled to?

    Germany!  I went there for a college seminar for 3 weeks.  I learned a lot and want to go back.

  • What is something others may not know about you?

    I grew up playing every sport I could basketball, softball, volleyball you name it.  I was part of a dynasty high school volleyball team.  I currently hold (since 2006) the state serving record for the most aces in the least number of games for Class B.  I was too short to play college so I settled for recreational volleyball since.  I have found a great community of volleyball players here in the metro and play as much as time allows!

  • Why did you choose architecture? 

    I loved art class when I was growing up and was fortunate enough to experience my parents new home build when I was around 13.  I loved the idea of space planning and being creative.  My High School Art teacher, Shop teacher and Business Class teacher all pushed me to pursue this career.  I found out quickly how much I love design and it stuck.  Not a lot of people know at that age what they want to be when they grow up, but with the support of my family and peers I was able to follow that dream.

  • Favorite sports team to cheer on?

    Baseball:  Cubbies!; Football:  Broncos; Basketball:  Timberwolves

  • What does your perfect day look like?

    If I have the energy it would be a waterpark or a theme park, I love that atmosphere but realistically any event that I can spend with my husband and children, I am most happy.  Nice weather and being outside is perfect!

  • When you’re not at work, where can you be found?

    Spending time with my family or doing some sporting activity. 

Jess Harter, NCARB

  • North Dakota State University, M. Arch.
  •  Registered Architect 
  • NCARB
  • Why did you choose architecture?

    I love history, specifically architectural and cultural history. This resulted in falling in love with learning every detail about a building or a city and the thought process of architects while designing.

  • Best place you have ever traveled?

    Brussels, Belgium, where I lived for a very short 3 months.

  • When not at work, I can be found:

    In the summer – finding a new hiking trail; in the winter – finding a new thrift store.

Liz Elton, NCIDQ, CID

  • University of Minnesota, B.S., Interior Design
  • Favorite sports team to cheer on?

    Minnesota Twins

  • Best place you have ever traveled?

    Tanzania, Africa

  • When not at work, I can be found:

    Hanging out outside walking my dog or with friends and family.

Morgan Larson

  • North Dakota State University, M. Arch.
  • Best place you have ever traveled?

    Santorini, Greece. The views were fantastic, no matter where you where you could see the ocean. We took a 4-hour hike to the west tip of the island and ate dinner on the harbor as we watched the sunset. It was a moment that you feel only happens in the movies and it was magical.

  • What is something others may not know about you?

    I have a minor in pottery and hope to build a small studio at my house so I can start making art again. I also have a twin sister and have traveled through nearly all 50 states!

Jon Vandervelde, RA

  • Master of Architecture from the University of Minnesota CALA
  • Registered Architect in Minnesota

Jill H.

  • University of Wisconsin – Stout, Bachelor of Fine Arts – Multimedia Design Concentration – Summa Cum Laude Honor
  •  Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) Member
  • Apple Valley Chamber of Commerce Member
  • Dakota County Chamber of Commerce Member
  • Best place you have ever traveled?

    Studying photojournalism abroad in Scotland and Ireland – tied with my honeymoon in Hawaii. 

Matt Efteland, AIA, NCARB

  • University of Minnesota, Bachelor of Science in Architecture
  • University of Minnesota, Masters in Architecture
  • Registered Architect in Minnesota
  • AIA
  • NCARB
  • AIA Member, St. Paul Chapter
  • AIA MN Next Gen Initiative
  • Settled
  • Hearts and Hammers
  • Habitat for Humanity
  • What does your perfect day look like?

    Sipping iced coffee on the porch with my wife and son on a summer afternoon surrounded by our extensive plant collection while reading a good sci-fi novel and watching the birds at our many feeders

  • Why did you choose architecture?

    After pursuing my interests in Theater, Film, and French Literature for my first few years of undergraduate studies, I took an intro design course from the University of Minnesota’s Architecture program on a whim. My first design project so impressed my TA that he publicly praised my creativity in front of the class. Not only did I seem to have a knack for design, I also found that I really enjoyed it. I switched my major and never looked back.

  • Best place you have ever traveled?

    Tikal, Guatemala – Largest, best preserved ancient Mayan city in Central America. Well worth the days-long trek through the jungle.

    Venice Biennale Architettura – Biannual International Architecture Exhibition dating back to 1895. Fascinating contemporary exhibits in an incredibly beautiful and historic setting.

Jeff Aviles, NCARB, AIA

  • University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, Bachelor of Science Architectural Studies; University of Minnesota – College of Design – Masters of Architecture
  • NCARB, AIA
  • Best place you have ever traveled?

    Paris, France where I studied abroad for a summer

  • What is something others may not know about you?

    I enjoy collecting trading cards.

  • Why did you choose architecture?

    I am fascinated by the design and construct of buildings.

  • What is your favorite sports team
    • Green Bay Packers (Go pack Go!)

Zoey Erickson, CID, NCIDQ, IIDA

  • North Dakota State University, Bachelor of Science – Interior Design
  • IIDA Member, Northland Chapter
  • Certified Interior Designer (CID)
  • NCIDQ

What is the best place you’ve ever traveled to?
I have traveled to eight different countries and my favorite was my trip to Italy. I experienced the beautiful landscape and historic buildings. I traveled to these places while in Italy, Milan, Rome, Vatican City, Sorrento, Pisa, Pompeii, and Florence.

What is something others may not know about you?
I have a double major in Interior design and Marketing with a minor in retail management. I enjoy sewing and embroidery and hope to build an apparel printing studio at my house so I can start making custom apparel.

Why did you choose Interior Design?
I developed my passion for Interior Design from watching design renovation shows at an early age. Growing up I was fascinated by the transformation of spaces through well thought out interior design. My interest started with historic buildings and houses and has transformed into any space that people can experience.

When you’re not at work, where can you be found?
At home with my two cats, Alfie and Marvin or at my family farm relaxing in nature.

Tyler Voigt, Green LEED Associate

  • North Dakota State University, Bachelor of Architecture
  • University of Minnesota, Master of Architecture
  • LEED Green Associate

Mariah Zeien

  • University of North Dakota, BFA Graphic Design and New Art Media
  • North Dakota State University, Masters in Architecture
  • I enjoy giving back to the community where I can and have enjoyed my time volunteering with shelter animals throughout my time in school.
  • What is something people may not know about you?

    I like to bake! I especially enjoy making and decorating cookies.

  • Why did you choose architecture?

     I enjoy that the possibilities to design beautiful work while also still being able to create spaces that can make a positive impact on the community. 

  • Best place you have ever traveled?

    Italy! Great food, amazing history, art, and architecture, and the best coffee culture.

  • What does your perfect day look like?

    It has to start with coffee and a good book, maybe a bit of time exploring an antique store or plant shop, and end with time spent with friends and family.

BURNSVILLE FIRE STATION NO. 1

CNH’s largest fire station to date, the City of Burnsville’s Fire Station No. 1 is home to a crew of all full-time firefighters and more than 44,000 SF with 10 apparatus bays. Firefighter safety was one of nine top priorities for the station. Multiple contamination zones and a designated de-contamination area will allow firefighters to keep contaminated equipment and clothing in the apparatus bay until decontaminated. Another priority in the design was firefighter mental health. A warning system that slowly ramps up with alert tones and lighting while only alerting responding staff ensures firefighters are not awoken in an abrupt manner. The station includes areas for relaxation with different lighting to promote natural sleep rhythms, as well as a yoga studio and meditation garden. Extensive firefighter training features including Firefighter 1 and advanced training elements are another highlight of the station.