WHO WE ARE

It is all about teamwork, and together being visionary leaders who guide – but more importantly – who listen and support.

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Brooke Jacobson, AIA, LEED AP, CDT

  • 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!

  • University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, B.S., Architectural Studies
  • Iowa State University, M. Arch
  • Registered Architect, Minnesota
  • LEED Accredited Professional
  • Construction Document Technologist (CDT)
  • 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!

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.

  • 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.

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.

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

  • University of Nebraska, B.S., Architecture
  • University of Kansas, M.Arch
  • Registered Architect, Minnesota
  • LEED Accredited Professional Building Design + Construction
  • 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

  • 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

Brittany Koester

  • University of North Dakota, M.A., Architecture
  • What is the best place you’ve ever traveled to?

    Germany!  I went there for a college seminar for 3 weeks.  I learned a lot and want to go back.

  • What is something others may not know about you?

    I grew up playing every sport I could basketball, softball, volleyball you name it.  I was part of a dynasty high school volleyball team.  I currently hold (since 2006) the state serving record for the most aces in the least number of games for Class B.  I was too short to play college so I settled for recreational volleyball since.  I have found a great community of volleyball players here in the metro and play as much as time allows!

  • Why did you choose architecture? 

    I loved art class when I was growing up and was fortunate enough to experience my parents new home build when I was around 13.  I loved the idea of space planning and being creative.  My High School Art teacher, Shop teacher and Business Class teacher all pushed me to pursue this career.  I found out quickly how much I love design and it stuck.  Not a lot of people know at that age what they want to be when they grow up, but with the support of my family and peers I was able to follow that dream.

  • Favorite sports team to cheer on?

    Baseball:  Cubbies!; Football:  Broncos; Basketball:  Timberwolves

  • What does your perfect day look like?

    If I have the energy it would be a waterpark or a theme park, I love that atmosphere but realistically any event that I can spend with my Husband, son and very soon daughter I am most happy.  Nice weather and being outside is perfect!

  • When you’re not at work, where can you be found?

    Spending time with my family or doing some sporting activity. 

  •  
  • University of North Dakota, M.A., Architecture
  • What is the best place you’ve ever traveled to?

    Germany!  I went there for a college seminar for 3 weeks.  I learned a lot and want to go back.

  • What is something others may not know about you?

    I grew up playing every sport I could basketball, softball, volleyball you name it.  I was part of a dynasty high school volleyball team.  I currently hold (since 2006) the state serving record for the most aces in the least number of games for Class B.  I was too short to play college so I settled for recreational volleyball since.  I have found a great community of volleyball players here in the metro and play as much as time allows!

  • Why did you choose architecture? 

    I loved art class when I was growing up and was fortunate enough to experience my parents new home build when I was around 13.  I loved the idea of space planning and being creative.  My High School Art teacher, Shop teacher and Business Class teacher all pushed me to pursue this career.  I found out quickly how much I love design and it stuck.  Not a lot of people know at that age what they want to be when they grow up, but with the support of my family and peers I was able to follow that dream.

  • Favorite sports team to cheer on?

    Baseball:  Cubbies!; Football:  Broncos; Basketball:  Timberwolves

  • What does your perfect day look like?

    If I have the energy it would be a waterpark or a theme park, I love that atmosphere but realistically any event that I can spend with my Husband, son and very soon daughter I am most happy.  Nice weather and being outside is perfect!

  • When you’re not at work, where can you be found?

    Spending time with my family or doing some sporting activity. 

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.

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • 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!

Jill Hamilton

  • University of Wisconsin – Stout, Bachelor of Fine Arts – Multimedia Design Concentration – Summa Cum Laude Honor
  • CPR, AED, First Aid
  • NETA-CGEI
  •  Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) Member
  • Apple Valley Chamber of Commerce Member
  • Dakota County Chamber of Commerce Member
  • Dance Cardio Fitness Instructor at the Northfield Arts Guild Studio (Volunteer)
  • What does your perfect day look like?

    Waking up with my boys in the quiet of nature – to then get out on our boat.

  • What is something others may not know about you?

    I am also an architectural/interior/drone  photographer – and have been for 15 years. My favorite genre of photography is nature, especially macro shots.

  • Best place you have ever traveled?

    Studying photojournalism abroad in Scotland and Ireland – tied with my honeymoon in Hawaii. 

  • University of Wisconsin – Stout, Bachelor of Fine Arts – Multimedia Design Concentration – Summa Cum Laude Honor
  • CPR, AED, First Aid
  • NETA-CGEI
  •  Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) Member
  • Apple Valley Chamber of Commerce Member
  • Dakota County Chamber of Commerce Member
  • Northfield Arts Guild Facilitator 
  • Dance Cardio Fitness Instructor at the Northfield Arts Guild Studio (Volunteer)
  • What does your perfect day look like?

    Waking up with my boys in the quiet of nature – to then get out on our boat.

  • What is something others may not know about you?

    I am also an architectural/interior/drone  photographer – and have been for 15 years. My favorite genre of photography is nature, especially macro shots.

  • Best place you have ever traveled?

    Studying photojournalism abroad in Scotland and Ireland – tied with my honeymoon in Hawaii. 

Jeff Aviles, NCARB, AIA

  • University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, Bachelor of Science Architectural Studies; University of Minnesota – College of Design – Masters of Architecture
  • NCARB, AIA
  • Best place you have ever traveled?

    Paris, France where I studied abroad for a summer

  • What is something others may not know about you?

    I enjoy collecting trading cards.

  • Why did you choose architecture?

    I am fascinated by the design and construct of buildings.

  • What is your favorite sports team?

    Green Bay Packers (Go pack Go!)

  • University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, Bachelor of Science Architectural Studies; University of Minnesota – College of Design – Masters of Architecture
  • Best place you have ever traveled?

    Paris, France where I studied abroad for a summer

  • What is something others may not know about you?

    I enjoy collecting trading cards.

  • Why did you choose architecture?

    I am fascinated by the design and construct of buildings.

  • What is your favorite sports team
    • Green Bay Packers (Go pack Go!)

Zoey Erickson

  • North Dakota State University, Bachelor of Science – Interior Design
  • What is the best place you’ve ever traveled to?
    I have traveled to eight different countries and my favorite was my trip to Italy. I experienced the beautiful landscape and historic buildings. I traveled to these places while in Italy, Milan, Rome, Vatican City, Sorrento, Pisa, Pompeii, and Florence.

    What is something others may not know about you?
    I have a double major in Interior design and Marketing with a minor in retail management. I enjoy sewing and embroidery and hope to build an apparel printing studio at my house so I can start making custom apparel.

    Why did you choose Interior Design?
    I developed my passion for Interior Design from watching design renovation shows at an early age. Growing up I was fascinated by the transformation of spaces through well thought out interior design. My interest started with historic buildings and houses and has transformed into any space that people can experience.

    When you’re not at work, where can you be found?
    At home with my two cats, Alfie and Marvin or at my family farm relaxing in nature.

  • North Dakota State University, Bachelor of Science – Interior Design

What is the best place you’ve ever traveled to?
I have traveled to eight different countries and my favorite was my trip to Italy. I experienced the beautiful landscape and historic buildings. I traveled to these places while in Italy, Milan, Rome, Vatican City, Sorrento, Pisa, Pompeii, and Florence.

What is something others may not know about you?
I have a double major in Interior design and Marketing with a minor in retail management. I enjoy sewing and embroidery and hope to build an apparel printing studio at my house so I can start making custom apparel.

Why did you choose Interior Design?
I developed my passion for Interior Design from watching design renovation shows at an early age. Growing up I was fascinated by the transformation of spaces through well thought out interior design. My interest started with historic buildings and houses and has transformed into any space that people can experience.

When you’re not at work, where can you be found?
At home with my two cats, Alfie and Marvin or at my family farm relaxing in nature.

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.