John Maxwell’s 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership teaches us that leadership ability is the “lid” on personal and organizational effectiveness. In simple terms, your leadership skills set the ceiling on your success and your team’s success.

A highly skilled engineer, architect, or accountant might be excellent technically, but if their leadership capacity is limited, the entire team’s performance will eventually plateau. On the other hand, when leaders intentionally grow, they “raise the lid”—allowing themselves and those they lead to achieve more than they ever thought possible.

The Lid in Action: A/E Industry Examples

• The Project Manager’s Lid
  A project manager may be brilliant with design and technical details but struggles to communicate expectations clearly. The result? Confusion, rework, and loss of profitability. The leadership lid holds back the team’s effectiveness, and not because of skill, but because of limited leadership ability.
• The Department Head’s Lid
  A department head who refuses to delegate keeps all decisions at their desk. The bottleneck creates frustration, slows projects, and prevents team members from developing. The lid isn’t a technical ability; it’s a lack of trust and empowerment.

A principal who invests in developing emerging leaders lifts the lid. By providing training, mentorship, and opportunities for others to step up, they expand the team’s capacity. That investment multiplies the firm’s effectiveness and strengthens its future.

Why This Matters for Design Firm Leaders

In the A/E industry, we pride ourselves on technical excellence — and rightly so. But the Law of the Lid reminds us that technical skills alone don’t scale organizations. Leadership capacity does. The way we communicate, empower, delegate, and influence determines whether our firms thrive or stall.

The CDFO Connection

The lack of leadership skills is where the Certificate in Design Firm Operations (CDFO) comes in. Preparing for and earning the CDFO is one of the most effective ways to raise your leadership lid.

The program doesn’t just deepen your knowledge of finance, contracts, and operations — it broadens your perspective as a leader. It equips you to:

• See beyond your department and understand firm-wide dynamics.
• Make better strategic decisions rooted in both numbers and people.
• Influence outcomes across the organization, not just in your lane of expertise.

In short, the CDFO helps you raise your lid and, in turn, raise your firm’s lid. Where might your own leadership lid be showing up today? And what’s one step you could take to raise it?

The best leaders are lid-lifters. They invest in themselves so they can invest in others, raising the ceiling on what’s possible for their teams and organizations.

👉 Apply for the CDFO today and take the next step in raising your leadership capacity — and your firm’s future.

SDA does not endorse any products or services mentioned, and SDA does not assume responsibility for any circumstances arising out of the interpretation, application, use, or misuse of any information presented. SDA recommends that the reader consult the appropriate legal, financial, or human resource counsel before implementing the information contained herein.

The SDA Fellows Program celebrates the best of the best, people who have helped shape the Society for Design and raised the bar for the business of design. These are the mentors, innovators, and big-picture thinkers who do more than show up; they make things happen. Becoming an FSDA means you have done more than contribute to SDA. It means you have made a lasting impact on your firm, your peers, and the profession itself.

Becoming a Fellow is a milestone worth aiming for. The process starts with a self-nomination, which is really an opportunity to pause and reflect on how far you have come and where you want to grow next. A panel of SDA Fellows reviews each application, looking for individuals who have shown leadership, dedication, and a commitment to advancing practice management. Along the way, you may find yourself inspired to pursue certification, take on new challenges, and continue developing your skills and confidence as a leader.

And here is the best part: the journey does not stop once you are named a Fellow. This group is always up to something good, mentoring members, leading programs, and creating spaces for meaningful professional growth. Their annual Path2Success series has become a fan favorite. It is part book club, part leadership lab, where SDA members dig into big ideas together. This year’s pick, Radical Candor, sparked great conversation about feedback, communication, and authentic leadership that truly changes workplaces for the better.

At its heart, being an SDA Fellow is not about a title. It is about belonging to a circle of professionals who lift others while continuing to grow themselves. Fellows are the ones who see what is possible and help the rest of us get there. If that sounds like you, or the you you want to become, maybe it is time to start your own Path to Success.

Founded in 1973, Intergroup Architects has been a trusted name in commercial design for over 50 years. Headquartered in Littleton, Colorado, we offer architectural, planning, and interior design services across the nation. Our work spans a diverse range of industries, including office spaces, healthcare, education, retail, industrial, and more, with over 11,000 projects completed in 36 states. We’ve built a reputation for delivering designs that not only meet the immediate needs of our clients but also foster long-term growth and success.

A Focus on Client Partnerships

At Intergroup, we understand that every project is unique, and that’s why we approach each one with a commitment to collaboration and trust. Whether you’re a large corporation, a small startup, or a government agency, we believe in building long-term partnerships that are grounded in clear communication and mutual success. Our team works closely with you to understand your vision, goals, and challenges, ensuring that the end result is a space that helps your business thrive.

Our approach to design is grounded in our iGTechnique—a step-by-step process that guides every project from concept to completion. This proven method ensures we stay aligned with client goals and project objectives, while also providing a seamless and enjoyable experience. Our five-stage approach includes:

1. Define the Vision – Understanding your goals and aspirations.

2. Translate the Concept – Transforming ideas into workable designs.

3. Refine and Balance the Design – Ensuring form meets function and sustainability.

4. Make it Real – Bringing the design to life through careful planning.

5. Get it Built – Delivering the project on time and within budget.

By adhering to this process, we ensure that every project is completed efficiently and to the highest standards, making your experience as smooth as possible.

A Team Built for Success

At the heart of Intergroup is our team—a group of 13 dedicated professionals, including licensed architects, LEED Accredited Professionals, and industry experts. We value collaboration, accountability, and continuous professional growth. Every team member plays a key role in the firm’s success, contributing to a culture of creativity, innovation, and excellence. This collaborative approach allows us to deliver projects that meet both the technical requirements and the specific needs of each client.

Industrial Design Expertise

Intergroup is also a recognized leader in industrial design. With over 200 industrial buildings completed, our expertise covers everything from manufacturing and warehousing to high-tech facilities and distribution centers. Our designs are tailored to maximize efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability, while also addressing industry-specific needs, such as energy efficiency, truck access, and product flow. Whether it’s a large-scale project like a multi-phased industrial park or a smaller, specialized facility, we have the experience and technical know-how to deliver outstanding results.

Client-Centered Approach

Our commitment to exceptional service is reflected in the fact that over 85% of our business comes from repeat clients or referrals. We pride ourselves on creating a strong, transparent relationship with each client, ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned and informed throughout the process. Our principal-led service is another key factor in our success. Bill Smith and Tony Casey, our senior principals, are actively involved in every project, providing direct oversight and ensuring that our clients receive the highest level of service and design quality.

Government Project Expertise

Intergroup Architects also has a solid track record in working with government agencies, including the City of Littleton, City of Colorado Springs, and the Colorado Department of Transportation. We are experienced in managing the unique challenges of government projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the satisfaction of all stakeholders.

“With over 50 years of experience, Intergroup Architects is proud to continue shaping spaces that foster innovation, enhance functionality, and support the success of our clients. From start to finish, we’re here to ensure your project exceeds expectations—building lasting relationships and creating environments that stand the test of time” – Tony Casey, Senior Principal

Thank you to Intergroup Architects for being a firm sponsor with SDA National. To learn more about Intergroup and their work visit their website Intergroup Architects