Who We Are

Minnesota’s leader in sustainable architecture since 1969

Meet the Team

Wayne Hilbert, AIA, LEED AP

Principal Architect
Email: whilbert@cnharch.com
Tel: 952-997-4589

Quinn Hutson, AIA, LEED AP

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

Brooke Jacobson, AIA, LEED AP, CDT

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

Timothy Nielsen, LEED AP BD+C

Senior Associate, Architect
Email: tnielsen@cnharch.com
Tel: 952-997-4598

Al Tsai, CSI CDT

Senior Associate, Architect (WI)
Email: atsai@cnharch.com
Tel: 952-997-4584

Jessica Johnson Kreps, LEED AP BD+C

Senior Associate, Architect
Email: jjohnson@cnharch.com
Tel: 952-997-4597

Ashley Klis, CID, LEED AP ID+C

Senior Associate, Interior Designer
Email: aklis@cnharch.com
Tel: 952-997-4582

Deb Childs

Accounting/HR
Email: dchilds@cnharch.com
Tel: 952-997-4582

Molly Dee

Marketing Manager
Email: mdee@cnharch.com
Tel: 952-997-4580

Emily Nelsen

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

Jess Harter

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

Liz Elton

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

Morgan Larson

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

Leverage our decades of expertise and innovation to achieve your facility’s architectural and design goals.

Partner with CNH, and our talented architects and interior designers will make certain your needs are met at every step of your project.
Let’s Get Started

Leverage our decades of experience and sustainability expertise for a greener, more efficient facility

Partner with CNH, and our talented architects will make certain your needs are met
at every step of your project
Let’s Get Started

Address

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

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Wayne Hilbert, AIA, LEED AP

As Principal Architect and an owner of CNH Architects for more than 30 years, Wayne brings creativity and experience to each of his clients’ projects. One of the first architects to ever be certified a sustainable designer, he has been nationally recognized for sustainable design, and several of his projects have received green certifications and Energy Star status. Wayne has successfully designed and managed hundreds of new construction and remodeling projects at every phase for both public and private clients.

Wayne’s long list of successful projects include community centers, office buildings, vehicle maintenance facilities, courtrooms, retreat centers, city halls, animal exhibits, retail stores, camps, recreational facilities, park shelters, laboratories, libraries, fire stations, clubhouses, and more.

  • University of Minnesota, Bachelor of Architecture
  • University of Minnesota, Master of Business Administration
  • National architectural certification through NCARB
  • Licensed architect in multiple locations
  • Certified Construction Specialist (CCS), Construction Specifier Institute
  • LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP), US Green Building Council
  • American Institute of Architects (AIA)
  • Construction Specification Institute (CSI)
  • MN Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience & Interior Design (AELSLAGID), Board Member
  • Rotary Club of Apple Valley, Member and Past President
  • Reach for the Stars, Past Board Member
  • MN Governor’s Design Team, Past Member
  • National Eagle Scout Association, Member
  • AIA’s Sustainable Assessment Team (SDAT) – Apple Valley 2011, Steering Committee and AIA Sponsoring Member
  • Best place you have ever traveled?

    I have traveled to countries in six continents and each one of these trips have been special in some way. Exploring the jungles of Costa Rica was probably the best trip with a young family and experiencing Vietnam the best with adult children.

  • What is something others might not know about you?

    I played competitive soccer up until a few years ago and still play pickup soccer with friends a couple of times a week.

Quinn Hutson, AIA, LEED AP

As principal in the firm, Quinn’s responsibilities cover all facets of architectural design, design development and construction document preparation. Individual project tasks include: client need assessment, alternative concept development, design/construction document preparation, building material and finish selection, cost estimating, code compliance verification and approval assurance. In addition to over 25 years with CNH Architects, Quinn’s background includes many years of construction experience and annual continuing education to bring current construction knowledge to all of his projects.
  • 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.

Brooke Jacobson, AIA, LEED AP, CDT

BIO COMING SOON

  • 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!

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

Al Tsai, CSI CDT

  • University of Washington, B.A., Architecture
  • Registered Architect, Wisconsin
  • CSI CDT
  • National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP)
  • Feed My Starving Children
  • Secondhand Hounds
  • Coalition of Asian American Leaders (CAAL)
  • What does your perfect day look like?

    A sunny day on an ocean beach

  • Favorite sports team to cheer on?

    Seattle Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings

  • Best place you have ever traveled?

    Tulum, Mexico

Jessica Johnson Kreps, LEED AP BD+C

  • North Dakota State University, Bachelor of Environmental Design, Bachelor of Architecture
  • Registered Architect, Minnesota
  • LEED Accredited Professional Building Design + Construction
  • NCARB
  • Best place you have ever traveled?

    Backpacking around Europe studying architecture during college was the trip of a lifetime! Seeing the ancient ruins and the historic architecture was a dream come true.

  • Why did you choose architecture / interior design?

    At 8 years old, I loved designing and building Lego houses and knew I wanted to be an architect even then. I love the mixture of art/creativity/drawing and science/math, it is the best of both worlds. I love problem solving and every day is something new, you are always learning.

Ashley Klis, CID, LEED AP ID+C

  • University of Wisconsin-Stout, B.F.A, Interior Design
  • Certified Interior Designer in Minnesota
  • NCIDQ Certified
  • LEED Accredited Professional Interior Design and Construction
  • Why did you choose interior design?

    When I was young, I enjoyed drawing houses on graph paper and loved looking at home floorplan magazines and deciding what I would do differently. In junior high and high school, I took as many art classes as possible. Along with being artistic, I liked to solve puzzles and figure out how to get things to fit, so Interior Design seemed like a good choice to use both my artistic and analytical sides.

  • Best place you have ever traveled?

    When I think about all the places I have traveled, the best include great memories with family: going to the cabin in Detroit Lakes; visiting wineries and riding bicycles around Sonoma; snowmobiling in Yellowstone; seeing my kids on Fort Myers Beach and swimming in the Gulf for the first time; taking a private plane ride over Oahu; touring Jackson Hole.

Deb Childs

  • University of Northern Iowa, B.A., Elementary Education with a minor in Library Science
  • St. Mary’s University, M.S., Telecommunications Engineering
  • Church Elder and Director of Women’s Ministry, Faith in Christ Fellowship Church
  • Making Our Moms Successful (MOMS) Program, Past Board member and Volunteer
  • Best place you have ever traveled?

    To Africa on mission trips – experienced safaris and saw Victoria Falls

  • What is your personal motto?

    In a world where you can be anything – Be Kind

  • What is something others might not know about you?

    I share a ‘birth’ date with CNH Architects (November 12th)

Molly Dee

  • Minnesota State University, Mankato, B.A., Creative Writing, Technical Communication
  • Augsburg College, M.A., Leadership
  • Best place you have ever traveled?

    Banff, hands down.

    Then Glacier National Park and Whitefish, MT. The Gunflint Trail and Grand Marais are forever a favorite getaway as well, no matter how many new places I visit. Skiing, hiking, and exploring that area never gets old.

  • Favorite sports team to cheer on?

    Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Gopher wrestling and gymnastics, and, via marriage, Iowa State Cyclone football

Emily Nelsen

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

    Russia

  • What is your personal motto?

    Life is better with a cat

  • When not at work, I can be found:

    Reading

Jess Harter

  • North Dakota State University, M. Arch.
  • 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

  • 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!

Burnsville Fire Station No. 1: Coming Soon

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.