Welcome back to our CDFA Spotlight series! After a brief hiatus, we're excited to return with fresh stories and insights from our members who have recently achieved their Certified Design Firm Administrator designation. Our time away has been spent gathering some truly inspiring interviews, and we’re eager to share them with you. This week, we’re proud to feature Viviana Garcia, CDFA, Operations Manager with Michael G. Imber Architects in San Antonio, TX.

What motivated you to earn your CDFA certification?

I wanted to gain more knowledge in the business of architecture and felt learning the different aspects of administration would help me grow in my profession.

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

My concern was allocating enough time to study and managing my personal time. I studied during lunch hours and at night.

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

This helped in my personal development, but I feel my office is not very aware of the value of having the CDFA designation.

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

Do not be afraid to reach out to others for questions; everyone I have met within SDA has been so helpful.

What has obtaining your CDFA meant to you?

It has brought me insight to the business of architecture and, more importantly SDA has given me the knowledge to help me grow in my job.

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!

We've been busy interviewing some of our members who have recently accomplished their CDFA designation by passing the Certified Design Firm Administrator exam. This week we'll hear from Blair Valdiviseo, CDFA, Operations Manager with VIA design architects, pc in Norfolk, VA.

What motivated you to earn your CDFA certification?

I was motivated to earn my CDFA certification because I want to be more validated and respected in the industry and by my peers. I wanted to challenge myself as well!

Did you have any concerns, or fears, about taking the exam?

I hold “bad-test-taker” against myself, so I knew I had to prepare well in order to perform well on the CDFA exam.

What study tools did you find most useful?

CDFA-yoU, practice questions, and printing out the materials. I printed out all of the category-specific sections into one bound document. I broke up each section and only focused on one at a time. I took the practice questions multiple times and continued to check my progress by how many I answered correctly per section. I tried my best to corelate exam materials to real-life-experiences in my role.

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

Yes! The IT section was very interesting, because I am assisting with a lot of IT focused goals right now. I felt I learned the most from that section. The Project Management section was also interesting, and I feel that I can share that new knowledge with my peers at work to help the improve their own processes and tactics.

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

I did the most poorly on the Marketing section, but that is the least of my day-to-day responsibility, so it makes sense that I had the least amount of practical experience to relate to the material.

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

So far, the designation has really only bolstered me at my firm, but I am excited to get more involved with my local SDA chapter and continue learning from others and building my network.

Was your employer supportive of your CDFA goals and accomplishment?

Yes! A social media post regarding my accomplishment, internal announcement, and I received a bonus for my achievement.

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

Prepare well by really getting an understanding of the materials included, relate as much as you can to rea-world experiences, and do the practice questions A LOT!

What has obtaining your CDFA meant to you?

Earning the credential, and also only missing 10 questions on the exam, has shown me that even in a busy, fast-paced phase of life, I can focus on something and put the effort and dedication into it that will result in POSITIVE experiences and results in the end. If you put your mind to it…it can happen.

We've been busy interviewing some of our members who have recently accomplished their CDFA designation by passing the Certified Design Firm Administrator exam. This week we'll hear from Danielle Salvador, CDFA, Assistant Project Manager with Merrick & Company in San Antonio, TX.

What motivated you to earn your CDFA certification?

I wanted to be a part of advancing our field using these credentials, to show others at my firm that my role is just as much of a professional service as their design is. I was looking for equality, to legitimize my place as a professional.

Did you have any concerns, or fears, about taking the exam?

I was worried about the finance section since I knew nothing about that, all the firms I’ve worked for had an accounting department, so it was all foreign to me! I addressed that by studying that section harder than others. I came up with tricks to memorize the formulas & words that went together.

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

Yes! All of the IT and finance section were very interesting and new to me. It was great to learn that as I progress into Assistant Project Management, learning that has helped me understand the finance side of projects quicker than I would have if I didn’t.

Did you have a CDFA mento help you with the material?

No, just my chapter cheering me on which was awesome. But I study better alone so I made Wednesday night every week my study night.

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

It’s brought attention to myself in my large firm, which is awesome that higher up people reached out to congratulate me and asked about the CDFA. They are all interested in SDA now for their offices.

Was your employer supportive of your CDFA goals and accomplishment?

Yes very much so. The paid for my exam fees and were supportive of the whole process.

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

Do it, it’s so attainable and will separate you from the rest. The info is really valuable and the study guide is a great resource for down the line.

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

My chapter did lots of shout outs which was awesome. My firm congratulated me via email.

If you are ready to work on earning your CDFA, click here for more information.