FIRM HISTORY
1969
firm begins
Glenn Cording established the firm as Glenn W. Cording Associates, Inc.
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.
1969
early work includes courthouses, institutes, and residential work
one of which includes the home of the famous Charles M. Schulz (creator of Snoopy)
1973
Ziegler CAT partnership begins
and continues to this day (2024)
1974
start of church work
1975
John Natwick becomes the sole owner and Principal
1976
firm name change to Cording-Natwick Architects, Inc.
1977
Glenn Cording retires
from full time work, but remains involved with field work while caring for his wife
1983
first office computer
word processing only
1986
firm name change to CNH Architects
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 that all but one city facility was designed by the firm. Beyond governmental buildings, the firm designed numerous projects that helped to build this city into what it is today.
1986
Wayne Hilbert becomes a Principal
1987
start of government work
1989
start of work in Iowa and Wisconsin
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.
1991
start of office work
1992
first laptop computer
1996
Quinn Hutson becomes a Principal
1997
new logo and branding
1998
office remodel + expansion
1998
retired blueprints
- 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.”
1999
start of automotive dealership work
2001
start of work for the State of Minnesota
2002
start of animal care work
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.
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.
2007
first tablet
2009
start of daycare work
2010
John Natwick retires
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
Business of Excellence Award
from Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce
2014
office space updates
2014
Roseville Fire Station Receives National Award
2015
start of work in Missouri
2016
office remodel + expansion
- The materials library was expanded.
- Workstations were added to the space.
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
Interior Design department added to the firm
2019
50th anniversary celebration
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.
2021
new logo and branding
2023
office remodel + expansion
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.