Recent grad and south metro native Kelly Hanson earned five-year professional degree in architecture from Iowa State and LEED Green Associate designation

With an interest in highly efficient building designs that address environmental impacts, Architectural Designer Kelly Hanson is the newest addition to the CNH Architects team in Apple Valley.

She is a recent graduate of the five-year professional Bachelor of Architecture program at Iowa State University, and is a LEED Green Associate.

The LEED designation is granted by the Green Building Council and demonstrates Hanson’s knowledge in green building concepts, which include transportation, energy, water and air quality. The environmental focus was quite familiar, said Hanson, who earlier graduated from the School of Environmental Studies in Apple Valley and Eagan High School.

“I liked the thought that CNH was a smaller firm,” said Hanson, who saw it as a better opportunity get to know coworkers and learn more. “I like to get my hands dirty and work on things that are challenging.”

She’s currently assisting with designs for two daycare facilities and a church project. Hanson makes her home in Apple Valley.

CNH Architects is a creative, service-oriented firm that provides innovative design solutions for the commercial building and retail areas, public sector clients, such as cities, counties and states, and vehicle facility projects, day care and animal care facilities.  CNH has served clients in the Twin Cities and Upper Midwest for almost 50 years.