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.

Sarah Wallace, FSDA, LEED Green Associate

Controller at Choate + Hertlein Architects

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

I have always been passionate about leadership and was thrilled when it was recognized as an official focus area. I believe leadership skill development is directly correlated to continued personal and professional growth. I was excited to register and hopefully encourage others to pursue their CDFO!  

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

Passing the CDFA helped me shore up knowledge in areas I was less confident in (i.e. HR) and resulted in a higher level of confidence in my skill set all around.  When interviewing for my current position year ago, I know that this credential definitely provided credibility in my A/E/C management abilities. 

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

Having participated in the 2024 Path2Success sessions, I felt very confident in registering for the exam.  The only hurdle was making time each week to dedicate to reading the book, watching the videos, and studying.

What surprised you most about the preparation or exam process?

I continue to be surprised by how often I refer to the different Laws of Leadership and also find myself referencing the different types outside of the office as well.

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

I did participate with the Path2Success program originally and watched the recorded sessions again during my study process as provided by the CDFO Study forum. I read all CDFO forum posts and challenged myself to actively post replies to many of them to help engage/inspire others in the group to do the same.  I also was fortunate to have a fellow SDA member send me a test exam prepared by ChatGPT, which helped reinforce areas that needed more focus.  I am a tactile learner, so created flashcards that also helped me retain all the information.  Overall the combination of all available resources made it easy to prepare and reach out as needed throughout the study process.

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

The Law of the Inner Circle made me realize I didn't have one.  So that has brought a unique level of awareness to my own personal development that I am working on addressing.

How have your employer or colleagues responded to your certification?

I let the principals know that I planned to take the CDFO exam during my annual review at the beginning of the year while discussing my short-term goals to hold myself accountable and ensure I did not delay. This organically led into the ongoing discussion I have been having regarding updating my title (which recognizes advancement for those of us in smaller firms without actual upward mobility paths).  One of the Principals suggested this could be reviewed after receiving the new credential mid-year. I am looking forward to continuing the title discussion and believe that achieving my CDFO demonstrates my ongoing commitment and dedication to my career in A/E/C business operations and management, which will ultimately help me continue to advocate for myself now and in the future. 

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

There's no better time to invest in yourself and your future than now, don't hesitate, register today and you will see the difference it makes in your career!

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.