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About Community Living Solutions

Based in Appleton, Wisconsin, with additional offices in Des Moines, Iowa, and Minneapolis, Minn. Community Living Solutions serves senior living communities throughout the Midwest. Our team has expertise in all senior living communities, including:

  • Assisted living facilities
  • Nursing homes
  • Skilled nursing facilities
  • Memory care facilities
  • Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs)

Our skilled team of planners, architects and construction managers incorporate visioning, market assessment and financial feasibility to ensure that the architectural design and senior living construction solutions we deliver will help your organization streamline operations, increase marketability and maintain strong financial health.

By partnering exclusively with senior living providers, we guarantee a depth of senior living architecture knowledge and resources that few others can offer. Each of our clients is assigned a small, focused team, giving you personalized attention from partners who genuinely care about our elders and those who care for them.

Our mission

Creating, transforming and sustaining senior living communities.

Meet our leadership team

Tom Martin
President, Partner

“With nearly 25 years of experience in architectural planning, design and construction, I maintain a personal passion for providing creative business-related solutions to our providers so they can thrive while serving the seniors in our communities with the highest quality of care.”

Duane Helwig
Duane Helwig
NCARB, AIA
VP of Design, Partner

“I love collaborating with my clients in developing creative and innovative design solutions that both meet the needs of the residents they serve and set up their communities for long-term success.”

In my free time I enjoy traveling and getting outdoors. Some of my favorite activities include golfing, jogging, and hiking while mixing in some snowboarding trips with my family to help pass our long winters here!

Tom Lemkull
Tom Lemkuil
Senior Architect, Partner

“I developed a passion for senior living when my family would visit my grandma at a nursing home that was very institutional. I knew our elders deserved a better quality of life and dignity, so I started to learn about making nursing homes feel more like a residence. I want to be at the forefront of enhancing the lives of others for years to come.”

In my free time I enjoy golfing or boating in Door County, WI, and in the winter, I love to ski, play basketball or indoor soccer, and of course, cheer for the Packers. Go Pack Go! I have two daughters that also keep me busy. My eldest is pursuing her master’s of nursing at Marquette University and my youngest will attend University of Wisconsin to pursue a degree in dentistry.

John Huhn
LNHA, LALD
VP of Senior Living Operations

“My passion to serve older adults was ignited by my grandparents. For over 25 years I have been involved in the operation of senior living communities. I have personally experienced the impact a collaboratively designed living space has on the resident’s quality of life, staff satisfaction and operational outcomes.”

In my free time I enjoy time with my wife, kids and many grandkids. Doing anything with them is amazing, but I especially like spending time with them up north fishing for Sunnys and Musky, in the woods, or just hanging out by the water.

Aaron Klug
Aaron Klug
AIA
Production Manager

“I began working for Community Living Solutions immediately upon graduation and have spent my entire career in Senior Living Design. I enjoy getting to know each of our clients to understand their goals and the challenges they face daily. Every project is unique and requires excellence in communication, organization, and client-centered design solutions.”

Outside of the office you will find me coaching my kid’s sports teams, volunteering at church, and trying to enjoy the outdoors!

Jeff Mishler
Jeff Mishler
Director of Construction Services

“The level of senior care experience at Community Living Solutions is second to none and has allowed me to bring my construction knowledge into the mix. Being able to work on a project from concept to occupancy brings the joy into what we do.”

In my free time, you will find me enjoying the peaceful sounds of nature. Going hunting, fishing or taking a stroll in the woods is how I unwind.

Travis Tennessen
Travis Tennessen
AIA
Design Project Manager

“I’ve known I’ve wanted to be an architect since 5th grade. As a child, I frequented nursing homes for visits with great grandparents, aunts, and uncles, which were less than desirable experiences because of the built environment. When I heard about CLS, I saw an opportunity to change senior living culture and improve the livelihood of residents and their families.”

Whether spending time up north on the lake, hunting, fishing, or shooting the breeze on the patio with family and friends in the backyard, I love to be outdoors!

Asa Westphal
Asa Westphal
Project Architect

“I love design in all of its forms and subsequently chose architecture as a profession. I chose to work with CLS after seeing their commitment to their clients, and their expertise in the field of Senior Living.”

Since childhood I have always had an unhealthy fascination with bicycles. Not just riding them, but the machine itself.

Kelsey Lutzow
Kelsey Lutzow
Project Designer

“I was inspired at an early age to pursue architecture as it combined two of my passions: positively impacting others and design. At CLS, I have the opportunity to align my passions with our mission in serving senior living communities.”

When I am not working, I enjoy volunteering with various community organizations, traveling with my husband, Josh, and maintaining the active social life of our pup, Abby.

Lori MacLeod
Lori MacLeod
Architectural Designer

“I love being able to use my 25 years of construction experience to ensure the drawings we create are a valuable resource to contractors, plan reviewers and others. CLS is passionate about creating a fabulous living space for seniors and I am proud to be part of the team.”

I look forward to spending time with family – especially the grandkids and passing down my knowledge of fishing, carpentry, and other crafts. I love spending time on the water Musky fishing and in my shop doing woodworking.

Erin Willems
Erin Willems
Construction Project Engineer

“Making a difference is something most people strive for, and at Community Living Solutions we are able to do that by positively impacting the lives of our clients and their residents through design build. I am proud to be part of a company that takes such care in providing functional AND attractive spaces for our senior generations to enjoy.”

Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, taking care of our farmette, and volunteering as a therapy dog team with my Golden Retriever, Boone.

Scott Valuch
Scott Valuch
Field Construction Manager

“With over 30 years of experience in construction, I enjoy working for a company that values my insight for constructability in design. At CLS, having the ability to work together with our in-house team of architects and engineers, I am able to transition a project efficiently from design through end of construction.”

When I’m not on the job-site, I am spending time fishing, pheasant hunting, and making memories with my grandchildren.

Jerry Skorie
Jerry Skorie
Site Superintendent

What I appreciate about working at CLS is the team in the field having direct access to the architects and engineers. We can mitigate conflict quickly and efficiently. Secondly, being on site, I am able to interact with owners and maintenance to understand their needs and coordinate construction activities to alleviate interruptions that might negatively impact staff and residents.

When I’m not on site, you will find me hunting, fishing, or cheering on the Milwaukee Brewers.

Associations

In an effort to stay informed on the latest trends in the senior care and senior living industries, Community Living Solutions is a member of the following organizations:

We also have professional registrations in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

Learn more about Community Living Solutions

We can help you create, transform and sustain your senior living communities. To learn more about us, or to request a complimentary meeting, contact us at 920-969-9344.