In today’s fast-paced A/E firm environment, productivity is less about working harder—and more about designing smarter systems, workflows, and habits that remove friction from the day.

During SDA’s January 2026 Productivity Hacks Virtual Roundtable, members from across the country came together for a lively peer-to-peer conversation focused on practical ways to save time, streamline work, and improve day-to-day operations. The discussion surfaced ideas spanning automation, technology, task management, and workflow design—grounded in real-world experience.

Here are a few key takeaways from the session.

Reducing Manual Work Through Better Systems

One of the strongest themes was the value of reducing manual processes through smarter workflows. Several members shared how moving requests and data collection out of email and into simple online forms has improved accuracy, reduced follow-ups, and saved time.

By standardizing how information enters the system, firms are able to launch projects faster, eliminate missing details, and create cleaner handoffs between teams. The takeaway was clear: meaningful productivity gains often come from redesigning how work flows, not adding more tools.

Technology That Truly Supports Productivity

Participants highlighted several digital tools that have become part of their everyday workflow.

The Remarkable Tablet generated strong interest as a practical way to combine handwritten notes with digital organization, helping reduce paper clutter while keeping information accessible.

AI tools such as ChatGPT were also discussed as helpful partners for drafting emails, outlining procedures, and jump-starting documentation. While adoption varies, many agreed that starting with low-risk, routine tasks is an effective way to build comfort and uncover value.

Across the discussion, one theme emerged consistently: the goal is not technology for its own sake, but technology that removes friction from routine work.

Simple Habits That Make a Big Difference

Beyond tools, members shared time-management strategies that help maintain focus in busy operational roles. Daily priority lists—especially identifying the top three “must-do” tasks—were a popular way to protect time and maintain momentum amid interruptions.

Others shared how small adjustments, such as using Outlook reminders, Excel shortcuts, and task boards, have helped reduce rework and stay organized. These incremental improvements, when combined, create noticeable gains across the workday.

Making Invisible Work Visible

One powerful theme that emerged during the roundtable was the importance of recognizing SDA members not simply as “support,” but as the designers of the systems that keep firms running. When an administrator streamlines a proposal process, automates a report, or creates a smarter template, it isn’t “no big deal”—it’s reclaimed time, reduced stress, and improved consistency for the entire team.

Even a 10-minute improvement to a recurring task, multiplied across dozens of proposals or projects each year, adds up to hours of capacity a firm can reinvest in higher-value work. As a community, SDA members are encouraged to document and articulate these wins rather than minimize them, helping ensure that the often-invisible impact of their expertise becomes visible, understood, and valued within their firms.

The Power of Peer Learning

Perhaps the most valuable outcome of the roundtable was the shared learning itself. From automation successes to adoption challenges, the conversation reinforced that productivity challenges are rarely unique—and that peer insight is often the fastest path to better solutions.

The session closed with a reminder that small changes, applied consistently, can significantly improve both efficiency and work satisfaction.

Continue the Conversation

Missed the session or want to revisit the discussion? The recording is available for purchase through the SDA Store.

Have a productivity tip that’s working well in your firm? We invite you to share your ideas in the comments below. Be sure to join future roundtables as we continue exploring ways to strengthen operations and elevate performance across A/E firms.

To learn more about upcoming programs, visit the SDA Events Calendar and stay connected with the SDA community.