Every SDA member has a unique story—one that reflects their journey, growth, and connection to our vibrant community. In our new blog series, SDA & Me, we’re highlighting the voices of our members as they share what brought them to SDA, how their experience has evolved, and the moments that have made the biggest impact. Whether it’s professional development, lasting friendships, or unforgettable experiences, these testimonials showcase the value of being part of SDA. Today, we feature Jennifer Greene, CDFA, who shares her SDA journey and what keeps her engaged in our community.

When did you join SDA and what initially motivated you to join?

I joined SDA in 1992. My boss at the time, Frances Halsband, FAIA of Kliment & Halsband Architects, was also the Dean of the Architecture School at The Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. She, along the several SDA New York Chapter Members, were working on the creation of a Design Management program at Pratt to develop strategic management skills for their architects-in-training in five areas related to design management: operations management, financial management, marketing management, organization and human resource management, and management of innovation and change. She came back to the office one day and said “Jen, you must join this great organization, SDA (then it was called Society of Design Administrators). So I did!

How has your experience with SDA changed over time?

When I first joined, I was new to the business. I started at Kliment & Halsband Architects as a temp word processor. The third day I was there, one of the associates came over to me and said, “You’ve kind of taken over here and we are wondering if you’d like to be our permanent office manager?” I said, “What’s an office manager?” and, when he explained the responsibilities, I said “Sure, I can do that!” Joining the SDA helped me turn my job into a career. I could ask a question on the list serve and immediately get twenty answers. It helped me save money by getting recommendations for phone systems, printers, whatever. It gave me friends for life.

What aspects of SDA have you enjoyed the most?  

 Certainly, the continuing education has made my job easier. Getting my CDFA helped me learn about the other aspects of running a design firm that are not marketing or office administration – HR, IT, and Finance. Especially Finance! But the aspect that I have enjoyed the most is the amazing friends I have in my NYC chapter and around the country and Canada.

What motivates you to stay engaged or involved with SDA?

I love the SDA. I love to keep learning new things to make my job easier, to save my firm money, to save time in doing specific tasks. I love the people I work with on the various committees and those I serve with on ExCom.

Can you describe a memorable experience you’ve had as an SDA member?

So many memorable experiences! The crazy bus driver we had on our tour of the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore who had one bad dad joke after another and preached to us about Jesus being our savior! The horse-drawn carriage ride that Lula Blackwell-Hafner took a few of us on around Philadelphia. The Regional Conference the New York Chapter hosted the year after 9/11 and taking the attendees up to my roof that overlooked what was the World Trade Center. How at each national conference I meet fabulous new people and visit with the fabulous friends I’ve already made. My membership in the SDA is made up of thousands of memorable experiences, it’s hard to pick just one or a few.

Want to share your SDA story? Each member’s journey is unique, and we’d love to hear yours! If SDA has made an impact on your career and connections, reach out to us (admin@sdanational.org) to be featured in a future SDA & Me spotlight. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from our amazing members!