In an enlightening conversation, Jill H. (Marketing Director) and CNH Architects Principals (Wayne Hilbert, Quinn Hutson, Brooke Jacobson – along with former Principal, John Natwick) sat down to trace prominent themes that have shaped the firm’s history. Here’s what they recognize most profoundly:
- Memorable Beginnings: The firm’s memory lane winds through schools, institutes, churches, and court houses—the landmarks of its early years. These projects shaped our ethos, teaching us the nuances of design, functionality, and community impact. Each brick laid was a lesson, and those foundations still resonate today.
- Service-Centric Approach:
Our firm embodies the essence of service. We don’t merely execute projects; we serve our clients with unwavering commitment. Our compass points toward their visions. We have always remained focused on the human elements – not the building itself.
It is worth mentioning that Rotarians uphold values of truth, fairness, and acting for the greater good – values that also align with CNH Architect’s core beliefs. Both Huston and Hilbert credit the connections and genuine relationships that have stemmed directly from the Rotary Club of Eagan as inadvertent growth for the firm.
- The Art of Balance:
In our designs, balance reigns. We tread the line between practicality and aesthetics. This equilibrium is no accident; it’s the result of a deep understanding of the architectural and construction processes.
In 2018, the firm chose to hire internal staff for its interior design work, adding yet another layer of value and accessibility for the client. Since then, the department has grown, proving it to be beneficial as an elevated process. Jacobson describes how having a focused team of interior designers also allows for the firm to stay ahead in terms of innovative products, concepts, and trends.
- Accessibility at the Core:
Our collaboration revolves around accessibility – in terms of physical space and in our approach. We’re transparent and responsive. Our clients find us within reach – ready to listen and work together.
The firm has also provided open accessibility to around thirty mentors over its lifespan. The high school mentorship program gives back to the community by exposing teens to the architectural environment. Hutson put it well when he said, “even if the mentor does not choose to pursue architecture in the end, the program has only provided them with more clarity.” He goes on to add that a handful of mentors did, in the end, choose to pursue fields related to architecture after completing the program – some of which even returned to CNH Architects in other facets.
- A Unique Tapestry of Age and Size:
Our firm stands as a rare gem in its age and size. Our longevity brings experience, while our volume fosters agility. The faces that ignite ideas are the same ones that meticulously oversee the project through construction. It’s a focused, start-to-end involvement that sets us apart.
- Slow Growth:
We’ve embraced the art of slow growth. It is deliberate, and it is intentional. Our measured expansions ensure that excellence remains our constant companion. We don’t sacrifice craftsmanship for rapid growth. Instead, we nurture each client-relationship while investing in employee development – and have organically grown from this. The result is uncompromising quality from a trusted team – with every single project.
Growth can also be described in relation to the nation’s political impacts. The 2008 recession took the firm down to 50% of its staff. Even in a moment where everything seemed to stop, CNH held strong as the industry average reflected an 80% unemployment rate. Each Principal credits the combination of client loyalty and diversification for steadying the firm. Like a pruned plant, the cut in growth had proven to harden the firm for the future.
The same could be said for the COVID-19 pandemic, which propelled the firm into enhancing its remote communication and collaborative procedures. Unlike a large portion of companies, CNH Architects experienced a growth period in size, income, and type of work. The firm was also “quick in getting people back together” when it became feasible to do so.
- Technology Integration:
The way CNH Architects took on, and still takes on, new technology is woven into long-term strategies. The firm remains focused on what improvements, long-term, will provide the client with the greatest value.
With 90s technology, the greatest impact was on floorplans, an item that required duplication and layering. Moving into the 2000s, the firm saw how Revit modeling promoted consistency and clearer communication to the client, who could now view designs from multiple perspectives. Into the 2020s, Enscape renderings promoted a higher level of 3D realism, elevating quality, consistency, and vivid communication for the client once again. Automation was another important factor while considering the long-term value of this technology. Overall, the CNH team has remained on the early side while adapting new technologies. While discussing the topic, Jacobson makes note that the firm is always keeping their eye on developing tech of the future.