Paths to Fellow and Career Success with Debra Ellis

SDA Fellow

Becoming an SDA Fellow recognizes the value of a member’s contributions to SDA, peer organizations, and the A/E/C community in the area of excellence in design firm management. It is the highest recognition SDA offers, and the number of Fellows is growing each year. 

One of the requirements for fellowship is significant Contributions to the Profession. 

That may seem a high place to reach, but all begins with that first step. Keep in mind no two Fellows’ contributions are exact. All are as varied and as unique as the individual member. Your contribution will not look like mine. It shouldn’t. In hearing my story, I hope you get a sense of what is possible, and a desire to take a step to leave your own unique stamp on the profession.

Contributions to the Profession - My Path

When I joined SDA Denver, our chapter had a relationship with AIA Denver that provided our chapter with a place on their board of directors. As an active member and officer of our chapter, I was appointed as our designee. This was a great first step on my journey. Working alongside the other AIA Denver board members I was able to expand my network and develop relationships. 

One of the connections I developed was with a colleague who later became president of the AIA Colorado board of directors. She understood the connection between our groups from working together and I was appointed to the board of AIA Colorado. It was the first time SDA had a representative on that board. 

Serving on these Boards allowed me to work on the annual state conferences. I was able to influence the conference offerings to bring some focus to the importance of the back office to firm success.

Our goal was to educate the architects and administrators in design firm management.  Both SDA members and architects were able to network and it increased the understanding that administrative staff is more than “necessary overhead” and is an integral part of every firm.  I volunteered to present seminars at the state-wide event on the importance of SDA and how our expertise in design firm management allows architects to focus more on high value design work. I also was a part of a panel discussion on Easier, Faster, Better: Tips for Improved Document & Project Management panel with Newforma.

This volunteer work led to a former AIA Colorado President to reach out and inquire if I would be interested in serving as a public member on the State Board of Licensure for Architects, Professional Engineers and Professional Surveyors.  I agreed, and in 2008 I was appointed by Governor Ritter of Colorado to join the licensing board as a Public Member.  

My time on the licensing board enabled me to understand the nuances of navigating out-of-state licensure processes. Our firm does work in most States, and I’m the firm’s resource for how to get out-of-state licensure done. 

Even before Fellowship was an option, I realized that making contributions to the profession has value. These experiences gave me more confidence in my own abilities and allowed me to network with amazing people. 

Applying for Fellowship

Whether applying for Fellowship is around the corner, a long way off, or perhaps not even on your radar, do yourself a favor and take a look at the Fellows Program Guidelines and the Fellows Application. The Guidelines and Application are good maps that provide real guideposts along the way on your path to career success.

Going through the process is a great way to reflect on your personal growth and the things that you have accomplished. You can use it to identify areas you might want to focus on. You can set the goal of achieving Fellowship as a way to create some excitement and energy around your job. 

One interesting effect of Fellowship was how it elevated my presence...within my own firm.  Professionally, I have one partner in my firm that did not recognize all my prior accomplishments (National President, CDFA, being on the State Licensing Board) but when I became a Fellow, he was very impressed and began to see me in a new light.  Architects understand what it means to be a Fellow. 

Your Path

AIA Denver and AIA Colorado, regrettably, no longer have a spot reserved for an SDA member on their boards.  As I said before, no two paths are alike. You can start by volunteering at your local AIA or Engineering society.  If you are involved with accounting in your firm, see if there is a user group in your area for Deltek or Ajera.  The last few years I have become involved with an HR group with HR professionals in other architecture and engineering firms in the Denver metro area.  You just never know who you might meet that in turn knows someone else and you can become connected.  

What first step can you take to improve your career development and put you on the path to becoming a Fellow? Share ideas in the comment box below.