SDA’s transition from Certified Design Firm Administrator (CDFA) to Certificate in Design Firm Operations (CDFO) reflects the evolving leadership role of today’s design firm professionals. To recognize the strength of the original CDFA, existing holders completed only the new Leadership section of the exam. Those who passed earned the CDFO—demonstrating both deep operational knowledge and the leadership skills shaping the future of the profession.

Lynda Meyer, MSA, CDFO

What inspired you to pursue the CDFO certification after having received your CDFA?

After earning my CDFA in 2009—studying alongside my chapter through what were then known as PEGs (now Focus Groups)—I gained a much deeper understanding of the A/E/C industry. As an accounting manager at the time, my role didn’t always allow me visibility into the day-to-day challenges of project management, IT, marketing or operations. The CDFA helped bridge that gap and broaden my perspective.  Now, as I continue to grow in my leadership role, pursuing the CDFO felt like a natural next step. This certification aligns with my commitment to becoming a more strategic thinker and a more effective CFO. It’s not just about deepening my technical expertise—it’s about stepping out of my comfort zone and strengthening the leadership and critical thinking skills needed to guide my firm forward.

How has earning your CDFO credential impacted your confidence, skills, or credibility in your role?

Earning my CDFO has reinforced my commitment to excellence in the A/E industry and demonstrated my dedication to continuous growth in my areas of expertise. It’s expanded my skill set and strengthened my confidence as a leader, particularly in approaching challenges with a more strategic mindset. I feel more equipped than ever to contribute at a higher level and guide my firm with clarity and purpose.

Were there any doubts or hurdles you had to overcome in deciding to take the Leadership Section? How did you move past them?

For me, there were no doubts about taking the Leadership section—I was genuinely excited for the opportunity to learn and grow. The only hurdle was making sure I dedicated the time to study and truly absorb the material. I approached it with curiosity and a desire to expand my knowledge base, knowing it would make me a stronger leader and a more well-rounded contributor to my firm.

What surprised you most about the preparation or exam process?

What surprised me most about the preparation process was how genuinely engaging and well-crafted the materials were. The audiobook quickly became one of the most impactful I’ve listened to—it held my attention and felt incredibly relatable to both my professional and personal experiences. I also really appreciated the study guide—it was clearly written, easy to follow, and perfect for highlighting, which is how I learn best. Altogether, the resources made the process enjoyable and effective.

Did you engage with the Path2Success program, CDFO Study Group, mentor, or other resources? If so, how did it help?

For this particular exam, I didn’t engage with the Path2Success program, study group, or a mentor. I chose to study independently this time, using the provided materials, which were clear, engaging, and well-structured—more than enough to support my preparation.

What topic or section challenged you the most--and how did you tackle it?

I wouldn’t say any one topic stood out as more challenging than the others—instead, the overall challenge was absorbing and fully understanding all 21 Laws of Leadership, since the content was entirely new to me. That said, I approached it with focus and consistency, taking time to reflect on each law and how it applied to both my personal and professional life, which made the material more meaningful and easier to retain.

How have your employer or colleagues responded to your certification?

My colleagues and employer were incredibly supportive and excited about my certification. They celebrated the achievement with me and even promoted it on our company’s social media, which was a great show of encouragement. It meant a lot to see my professional growth recognized and shared in such a public way.

What would you say to someone in the A/E industry who is unsure if the CDFO credential is worth it?

I would say—absolutely, it’s worth it. The CDFO credential goes beyond technical knowledge; it helps you grow into a more strategic, well-rounded leader in the A/E industry. If you’re looking to elevate your role, understand the bigger picture of firm operations, and build confidence in your decision-making, this certification is a powerful step forward. It pushes you to think differently, connect the dots across departments, and lead with intention. Investing in yourself through the CDFO is truly an investment in your firm's future too.

SDA’s transition from Certified Design Firm Administrator (CDFA) to Certificate in Design Firm Operations (CDFO) reflects the evolving leadership role of today’s design firm professionals. To recognize the strength of the original CDFA, existing holders completed only the new Leadership section of the exam. Those who passed earned the CDFO—demonstrating both deep operational knowledge and the leadership skills shaping the future of the profession.

Leilani Rose, CDFO
Office Manager, Senior Associate at Semple Brown Design, P.C.

What inspired you to pursue the CDFO certification after having received your CDFA?
I was inspired to pursue the CDFO certification when I heard that it reflected more of a mid-career design administrator, in terms of leadership and experience.

How has earning your CDFO credential impacted your confidence, skills, or credibility in your role?
I feel that it is a tangible way to show my leadership team that I am striving to always learn and grow and improve my skillset.

Were there any doubts or hurdles you had to overcome in deciding to take the Leadership Section? How did you move past them?
It's a time commitment as you have to set aside time to study and schedule your test -- but signing up for the Path2Success program last fall helped me keep up with my reading, and scheduling my test helped me set a goal that I could work towards.

What surprised you most about the preparation or exam process?
Understanding my own leadership style better, and also recognizing what didn't work for me.

Did you engage with the Path2Success program, CDFO Study Group, mentor, or other resources? If so, how did it help?
I signed up for the Fall 2024 Path2Success program, and we read and discussed the "21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership" book; it is one of reading materials towards the CDFO portion of the exam, so it helped me study for the exam.

What topic or section challenged you the most--and how did you tackle it?
A lot of contemporary books on leadership, including the ones that were the recommended readings, felt a little male-centric while a majority of design administrators tend to be female, so I felt a dissonance there and felt like there was something missing. I tackled it by taking what I could learn and applying it the best I could.

How have your employer or colleagues responded to your certification?
They were very proud and happy to know that I gained this new certification.

What would you say to someone in the A/E industry who is unsure if the CDFO credential is worth it?
The CDFO certification is a great way to demonstrate your experience and leadership as a design administrator, and it can show your leadership team that you are constantly striving for improvement. There are so few certifications specifically geared towards our role in this industry, so why not take advantage of a certification that is widely recognized across the A/E industry?

SDA’s transition from Certified Design Firm Administrator (CDFA) to Certificate in Design Firm Operations (CDFO) reflects the evolving leadership role of today’s design firm professionals. To recognize the strength of the original CDFA, existing holders completed only the new Leadership section of the exam. Those who passed earned the CDFO—demonstrating both deep operational knowledge and the leadership skills shaping the future of the profession.

Melanie Schmidt, CDFO

Office Administrator at Snell Engineering Consultants

What inspired you to pursue the CDFO certification after having received your CDFA?

My job is growing in the Operations side of our firm, and the CDFO credential is more fitting for my job goals.

How has earning your CDFO credential impacted your confidence, skills, or credibility in your role?

It is empowering to have the CDFO credential. It validates the work I do, gives worth to my role within my firm, and shows those I interact with outside of my firm that I am dedicated and educated in my role.

Were there any doubts or hurdles you had to overcome in deciding to take the Leadership Section? How did you move past them?

Yes, I didn't want to fail the Leadership Section test. Knowing I already had the CDFA credential, I wavered between settling with what I had and what I would have to do to pass the Leadership section. It was a lot of information. Then I decided that a leader represented who I wanted to be in my career, so I decided to take the exam for the CDFO certification.

What surprised you most about the preparation or exam process?

It surprised me that I already knew some of the information as I studied. Much of it was intuitive. The exam was challenging, and I was surprised that I passed!  

Did you engage with the Path2Success program, CDFO Study Group, mentor, or other resources? If so, how did it help?

The Path2Success program has been phenomenal for me. It inspired me to take on many new challenges and pushed me to grow in ways I didn't think I could. I did not make the sign-up in time this year and am disappointed, but I will try again next year. I also used the CDFO study group materials. The practice tests and videos were really helpful.

What topic or section challenged you the most--and how did you tackle it?

The Leadership section isn't necessarily black and white with situational questions and answers. I decided to 'go with my gut' rather than overthink my answers. 

How have your employer or colleagues responded to your certification?

My employer and colleagues are super supportive. They encourage me to learn and grow in my career and celebrate the certifications with me.

What would you say to someone in the A/E industry who is unsure if the CDFO credential is worth it?

DO IT! There are so many reasons why. The ability to learn from others, networking, self-growth, career growth, earned respect within your firm, a seat at the table, empowerment.