our team
CF Design was founded in 1998 by its principal, Cheryl Fosdick. During its existence, the firm has designed more than 150new homes and remodels. Most of our work is regional and specific to the Midwest and the Upper Great Lakes, and is rural, suburban, and urban, with our new built work generally tending to reflect a modern aesthetic. Our work is influenced by the role of daylight and introduced light, in the design of building form and the understanding of materials and dimension through light and shadow. LUMstudio was created in 2023 to educate our community and our clients in matters of light and its capacity to both render form and surface and stimulate curiosity and action . LUMstudio is open to the public for both education and procurement of lighting by many international fabricators and designers.
Cheryl Fosdick
M.Arch, Assoc. AIA
Cheryl concentrates on residential new projects and remodeling, with over 100 built and “in progress” works throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin. Her work is particularly attentive to energy and spatial efficiency, as well as material clarity, simplicity and sympathy with the building site and context. Prior to her current practice, she was co-principal and owner of Salmela Fosdick, Ltd. Her firm’s work was based in a strong sense of regionalism. Their second project for the State of Minnesota was the Gooseberry Falls Visitor Center, completed in 1996 and an AIA Honor Award winner in 1997, with two additions using the guidance of their work completed in 1999 and 2001. That project, along with many others in her portfolio, recalled formal historic precedent and modern sensibilities, and incorporated extensive use of recycled locally sourced materials in an open and functional plan. Cheryl has been awarded 2 other AIAMN Honor Awards.
Mulfinger & Susanka Architects / SALA. 1982-1991
University of Minnesota CALA p/t advisor/ instructor 1985-2006
Salmela Fosdick Ltd. 1991-1994
CF Design Ltd. 1994-present
University of Colorado / University of Minnesota / Biochemistry 1976-1981
University of Minnesota / Environmental Design (B.E.D) 1983-1985
University of Minnesota / Masters of Architecture (M.ARCH) 1985-1988
Jeremy Jones
M. ARCH, ASSOC. AIA
Jeremy is passionate about design. This passion has led to several accolades during his design education, including becoming a member of the Tau Sigma Delta Honor Society and being awarded the Alpha Rho Chi medal for leadership, service, and merit during his graduate program. Jeremy’s diverse background, which includes considerable construction experience, has allowed him to be involved in several projects at various stages of design during his brief time at CF Design. This experience includes schematic design, design development, construction documentation, code research, and project coordination.
U.S. Army 2002-2007
U.S. Army National Guard 2007-2011
CF Design ltd. 2014-present
Red Rocks Community College. Carpentry-General Studies 2008-2009
University of Colorado, Boulder. Bachelor of Environmental Design 2009-2012
University of Colorado, Denver. Master of Architecture 2013-2014
Amy Luschen
M. ARCH
As a designer, Amy views architecture as a form of expression—one that connects people to the natural environment and to one another. Her background, which includes national park, commercial, and residential projects, reflects her belief that design should both inspire and belong to its surroundings. Guided by a love for the outdoors and the creative arts, she approaches each project as an opportunity to tell a story through space—one that fosters meaningful connections between people, place, and purpose, and celebrates the harmony between nature and design.
MJ Architectural Studios, Inc. | 2019 - 2021
ajc architects | 2021 - 2024
ICON Architectural Group | 2024 - 2025
CF Design | 2025 - present
North Dakota State University / Masters of Architecture (M.ARCH) 2016 - 2021
Tara Austin
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Tara is a North Shore native starting at CF Design in 2019 as administrative assistant. She holds an MFA inPainting from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her large abstract paintings are represented by Joseph Nease Gallery in downtown Duluth. While away from the office Tara can also be found teaching the folk art of NorwegianRosemaling and tending to gardens.
University of Wisconsin-Madison. MFA, Painting
John Hawthorne
STUDIO DIRECTOR- LUMStudio
With a background in photography and live performance, John brings playful creativity and a keen appreciation for light to his work as Manager of LUMstudio. He enjoys educating clients on the benefits of thoughtfully designed illumination and advising them on the selection of fixtures and furniture to enhance their living spaces. John's photographic work has focused on capturing the ephemerality of performance and interrogating the poetics of place.
Williams College, BA, Philosophy & Theater, 2009-2013
University of Oxford, Visiting Student, Philosophy, English & Classics, 2011-2012
Pig Iron School for Advanced Performance Training, Graduate Certificate, Performance & Theatrical Creation, 2013-2015
