FIRM HISTORY

Helping build the nation sustainably for over 50 years

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. It was the seemingly small projects which led to medium projects – which then led to the large projects.

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 just the building itself.

 

Committed to fostering a culture of community involvement, the firm encourages its employees to actively participate in volunteer in a variety of ways – ranging from dog fostering to contributing their skills to local businesses. CNH Architects makes continuous donations towards noble causes and intertwines the firm’s success with the well-being of the community, because your success is our inspiration.

 

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. Hutson, Hilbert and Natwick credit many of the connections and genuine relationships that have stemmed directly from the Rotary Clubs of Eagan and Apple Valley as inadvertent growth for the firm.

In our designs, balance reigns. We tread the line between practicality and aesthetics – while harmonizing  sustainable design objectives with budget constraints. 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.

Our collaboration revolves around accessibility and openness – 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. 

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.

 

The team includes cultural and gender diversity, along with a large range of various ages/experiences – fueling our creativity while enabling us to design spaces that not only meet our clients’ needs but also enrich their lives with unique perspectives and solutions.

We’ve embraced the art of steady 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 economic impacts. The 2008 recession caused the firm to reduce its staff. Even in a moment where everything seemed to stop, CNH held strong as the industry average reflected an extremely high 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 pre-existing remote communication and collaborative procedures. CNH Architects experienced a growth period in size, income, and type of work during this time. The firm was also “quick in getting people back together” when it became feasible to do so.

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 moving from hand drawing to computer programming floor plans, an item that required duplication and layering. Moving into the 2000s, the firm saw how instantaneous 3D imaging promoted consistency and clearer communication to the client, who could now view designs from multiple perspectives. Into the 2020s, Enscape renderings promoted an even higher level of 3D realism, elevating quality, consistency, and vivid communication for the client once again. 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.

In the journey of innovation and service, memorable beginnings set the stage for a future where service-centric approaches are paramount.

 

The art of balance and accessibility at the core ensures that solutions are tailored, creating a unique tapestry that celebrates diversity.

Steady growth and the seamless integration of technology are the cornerstones that propel us towards a more efficient tomorrow.

 

Together, these elements weave the fabric of an architectural firm that promotes success and meaningful impacts.

1969

firm begins

Glenn Cording established the firm as Glenn W. Cording Associates, Inc.

1969

1969

original office location: the Wesley Temple Building in Minneapolis, MN

  • Multiple architecture firms worked in the Wesley Temple building (40+ tenants in total).
  • The building was demolished when the Minneap0lis Convention Center was planned.
  • The building was originally built by a National church – as it was common for churches, at the time, to build tall buildings to reflect their status.

    Photos: the Wesley Temple Building, a historical view of Minneapolis, MN

1969

1969

early work includes courthouses, institutes, and residential work

one of which includes the home of the famous Charles M. Schulz (creator of Snoopy)

Photos: Ottertail County Courthouse, Redwood County Courthouse, Charles M. Schulz (source: Encyclopædia Britannica)

1969

1973

Ziegler CAT partnership begins

and continues to this day (2024)

Photos: various early Zieger CAT projects

1973

1974

expansion of church work

Photos: Messiah Lutheran Church, St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church

1974

1975

John Natwick becomes the sole owner and Principal

1975

1976

firm name change to Cording-Natwick Architects, Inc.

1976

1980

Glenn Cording retires

from full time work, but remains involved with field work while caring for his wife

1980

1983

first office computer

word processing only

1983

1986

firm name change to CNH Architects

1986

1986

firm moves to Apple Valley, MN

  • The move to Apple Valley was strategic to distinguish the CNH Architects as a firm.
  • At the same time that the firm relocated to Apple Valley, the opening of a major bridge (Cedar) was completed. Providing an easy commute from the Twin Cities, this timely event accelerated the growth of Apple Valley as a whole.
  • The Apple Valley  Commons I (where the firm remains) was originally part of a five-building development, but the plans were changed after the second Commons building was complete, and it grew more obvious that tenants were gravitating towards taller, larger, urban buildings (over the smaller style of buildings that were initially planned).
  • The choice to move to Apple Valley was a great one. The firm built a relationship with the city administration, and today CNH Architects can proudly say many of the city facilities were  designed by the firm. Beyond governmental buildings, the firm designed numerous projects that helped to build this city into what it is today.

    Photos: Renderings of Apple Valley Commons Buildings

1986

1986

Wayne Hilbert becomes a Principal

1986

1987

expansion of government work

Photos: Redwood Government Center, Apple Valley  City Hall, MNDOT District 4 Headquarters

1987

1990

computer aided design (CAD) integration

  • Quinn and Wayne led the 90s technology “push.”
  • With this new technology, the greatest impact was on floorplans, an item that required duplication and layering most often.
  • The transition was quick once users experienced new efficiencies.
    Photo: AutoCad Digitizer (source: sysrpl on Reddit)
1990

1990

expansion of work in Iowa and Wisconsin

1990

1992

first laptop computer

1992

1993

expansion of retreat work

Photos: Luther Point Bible Retreat

1993

1996

Quinn Hutson becomes a Principal

1996

1997

new logo and branding

1997

1998

office remodel + expansion

Photos: CNH Architects Office

1998

1998

retired blueprints made from ammonia

  • Prior to this, drawings were done by hand and sent to a printing company for reproduction. A few were printed inhouse where the original transparent drawings were set on top of the print paper and exposed to light to burn the drawings onto the paper sheets. The print paper was then exposed with ammonia. They came out blue, hence the term “blueprints.”

1998

1999

expansion of automotive dealership work

Photos: Bobby & Steve’s Auto World, Valley: Buick, Pontiac, GMC (Hastings, Apple Valley)

1999

1999

expansion of hospitality work

Photos: Gopher Hills Clubhouse, AmericInn Inver Grove Heights

1999

2000s

expansion of office work

Photo: Dakota County Community Development Agency, Cerasis

2000s

2000s

expansion of animal care work

Photos: MN Zoo Bear Exhibit, Eagan Pet Clinic

2000s

2001

expansion of work for the State of Minnesota

Photos: MN Dot Wayside Rest Stops

2001

2009

first Green Globes project

  • The firm made significant strides in green architecture in the early 2000s, when Hilbert was accredited by the US Green Building Council’s LEED program, a consensus-based system that rates environmental performance for buildings.
  • Firm projects have since won Green Globe Awards by the Green Building Initiative.
2009

2006

building information model (BIM) Revit integration

  • Hutson led the firmwide effort to convert operations completely to 3D BIM design modeling, leading the industry and improving product value for all CNH clients. Revit modeling promoted consistency and enhanced clarity to the client, who could now view designs from multiple perspectives.
  • The key was “being 100% committed.”
  • In general, the firm took on an earlier start with the new technology.
2006

2007

first tablet

2007

2009

expansion of daycare work

Photos: Jardín Spanish Immersion Academy

2009

2010

John Natwick retires

2010

2011

expansion of fire station work

Photos: Apple Valley Fire Station No. 1, Rendering of Roseville Fire Station

2011

2012

Three Globes Certification

  • CNH Architects was the first in Minnesota to earn Three Green Globes recognition, a high, third-party-verified and sustainable certification.
2012

2012

Business of Excellence Award

from Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce

2012

2014

office space updates

Photos: Painting at the CNH Architects Office

2014

2014

Roseville Fire Station Receives National Award

2014

2015

expansion of work in Missouri

2015

2016

office remodel + expansion

  • The materials library was expanded.
  • Workstations were added to the space.Photo: CNH Architects Office – Material Library
2016

2018

Enscape integration

led by Brooke Jacobson

  • Enscape renderings promoted a higher level of 3D realism – elevating quality, consistency, and communication for the client. Automation was another important factor while considering the long-term benefits of the new technology.
2018

2018

Interior Design department added to the firm

2018

2019

50th anniversary celebration

Photo: 50th Anniversary Party at Valleywood Golf Course

2019

2020

Brooke Jacobson becomes a Principal

  • Brooke’s dedicated, professional approach and focus on client service has helped CNH Architects to create authentic and long-standing relationships with clients and colleagues alike. As a leader in CNH’s public safety design work, Jacobson has played a pivotal role in the firm’s many fire station projects. Other project highlights include various YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities and Hilton Hotel projects.

2020

2021

new logo and branding

2021

2021

Jardín Spanish Immersion Academy Recieves National Award

Read about the award here.

2021

2022

Burnsville Fire Station No. 1 Receives National Award

Read about the award here.

2022

2023

office remodel + expansion

Photos: CNH Architects Office

2023

2024

Bloomington Fire Station No. 4 Receives Award

Read about the award here.

2024

Today, with two active principals and an excellent support staff, CNH Architects continues as a creative, full-service architectural firm that specializes in innovative buildings and pleasing, yet functional facilities. The firm is a key resource for clients who appreciate the start-to-finish service that assures complete satisfaction.

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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.