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 Gretchen Renz, FSDA, 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 2007. I sometimes joke that I joined SDA for a little “free advice,” but it is true. At the admin level, the architectural community in Spokane is not very interactive and it creates a feeling of isolation. I was craving a sense of community and to have a resource for practical knowledge specific to the industry.

How has your experience with SDA changed over time?

It happened slowly, but my experience with SDA has evolved as I went from a member-at-large, to a member of the Seattle Chapter, to membership on a national committee, to involvement as a national leader. With each step, my integration with SDA got more “tendrils” – like a bean plant that puts out more and more runners and “grabs” more and more points of connection as it grows. Honestly, now that I have written it – I love this word picture as a description of my SDA experience. More points of connection with the organization and with other members as I got more involved.

What aspects of SDA have you enjoyed the most?

Without question it is meeting and getting to know business professionals from firms all over the nation that are working in the same role that I am. We are a vibrant, brilliant, experienced, fun group of people and I always learn something and/or make a new connection when I participate in an SDA event – especially an in-person event like EDSymposium or a chapter meeting.

What motivates you to stay engaged or involved with SDA?

Love for the industry, a strong desire to keep growing, wanting to leverage my skills and experiences, and needing to be needed are all things that keep me involved with SDA. Well, these and the friendships I have forged over the years.

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

Of the many memorable experiences, it has to be an experience from the EDSymposium in Tampa. A group of us had stayed a few extra days and gone to dinner and see a Flamenco show. Dinner and the show had been amazing, and on the way back to the hotel on the trolley it started to rain. By the time we got to our stop, it was pouring – like buckets. Hardest rain I had ever seen. We had no choice but to run for it, and by the time we went the four or five blocks back to the hotel we were all soaked to the skin, laughing uproariously, and smiling from ear to ear. We four are now bonded permanently in this shared experience, and we joke about the incident regularly. THIS is the power of SDA.

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!