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. 

As we continue our CDFA Spotlight series, we’ve been thrilled by the positive feedback and engagement from our community. Each story has highlighted the dedication and hard work it takes to achieve the Certified Design Firm Administrator designation. We’re excited to keep bringing you more of these inspiring journeys. This week, we’re featuring Connor McCulloh, Operations Coordinator, with Environ Architecture, in Long Beach, CA. Her insights on the personal satisfaction of passing her exam are sure to inspire!

What motivated you to earn your CDFA certification?

I was motivated to have a comprehensive certification that was broad enough to cover certain aspects of the studio that I am responsible for, and gain a deeper understanding of the inner workings of an architectural design firm.

Did you have any concerns, or fears, about taking the exam? If so, how did you address or overcome them?

I was just mostly afraid of struggling to retain what I was studying- depending on what was going on at work and in my life, it was harder or easier to remember what I needed to, depending on what was going on.

What study tools did you find most useful (study group, CDFA-yoU materials, flash cards, other?)

What helped me the most was using the written material and creating my own study guides from that. Involves a lot of highlighting, lots of sticky notes, and lots of time.

Did you learn anything new, or surprising, while preparing for the exam?

While preparing for the exam, it was interesting to find out how much the exam material would be in direct reference to something I was involved in at work, and vice versa. It was enlightening to be able to fill those gaps where I had questions about specific firm procedures.

What section of the exam was the most difficult for you?

What I struggled with the most is reflective of where I am at right now in the studio- During the exam I had the most difficulty with the Project Management section. I have the most immersion into the other sections because of my role, and Project Management is the newest to me. The other sections are reflective of things that I have more experience in.

Did you have a CDFA mentor help you with the material? If so, tell us about that experience.

Aimee Mandala (also CDFA) who is our COO at Environ, over time has walked me through all of the compliance processes and standards that we engage in as administrators and that knowledge has been solidified thanks to her guidance. She has been instrumental to my personal development and growth as a professional and is also who introduced me to the SDA, sharing the certification process with me. So so grateful for her continuing support and mentorship over the years!

What role, if any, has your CDFA played in advancing your professional or personal development, growth, network or career?

So far, the CDFA designation is helping shape the professional that I am becoming, and encompasses the various roles and hats I get to wear.

Was your employer supportive of your CDFA goals and accomplishment? If so, please share how they demonstrated that support.

Environ supported me in going to the EDSymposium in South Dakota several Junes ago, and continued to support me in studying and immersing myself in the organizational and administrative aspects of my role. They were very congratulatory and happy to hear that I passed my exam.

What is your top tip to someone considering the pursuit of a CDFA designation?

For those considering pursuing a CDFA, I would recommend spending time creating a study guide and study schedule that works for you and your routine. I also recommend getting enough sleep to make it easier to retain information.

How did you, and your firm, celebrate your achievement? 

I was congratulated and received a card and some nice flowers!

What has obtaining your CDFA meant to you?

Having the CDFA designation is for me a tribute to the dedication I have to learn as much as possible about the AEC industry, and the ability to be more involved in the processes and methods employed by the studio.

Feeling inspired by our CDFA Spotlight features? If you're ready to elevate your career and join the ranks of Certified Design Firm Administrators, now is the perfect time to take the next step. The CDFA designation not only strengthens your skills but also positions you as a leader in our industry. Visit our certification page to learn more about the application process and how you can start your journey today!