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.

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 Jennifer Greene, CDFA, Director of Marketing with Ronnette Riley Architect in New York, New York.

What motivated you to earn your CDFA certification?

Getting my certification was a goal I set for myself, even though I’ve been a member for 30 years and my job is primarily in marketing and business development. I also want to apply for Fellowship and one must be a CDFA for at least three years.

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

Absolutely! I took the exam many years ago and did not pass. Twice, in fact! I studied and made flashcards and studied and reread chapters and studied.

What study tools did you find most useful?

I found them all useful. I was not able to participate in the study groups led by Deborah Gill during the workday but I watched the recordings on the weekends.

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

Absolutely! One can always learn something new. Ask me what a tiple-net lease is!?!

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

Finance. I was so worried about finance, and I ended up doing the best in that section and the worst in the marketing section. Go figure!

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

So many mentors. Pat Leyden, CDFA, and the late Amy Nanni, CDFA from my New York Chapter were both very helpful, as were Deborah Gill, CDFA, Nikki Pierce, CDFA, and Stacy Rowland, CDFA.

Was your employer supportive of your CDFA goals and accomplishment?

My employer reimbursed me for my exam costs and is very supportive of my involvement in the SDA, both locally and nationally. She has even served as a juror for Canstruction NY.

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

You can do it!

What has obtaining your CDFA meant to you?

I am proud that I can now put CDFA after my name. It's a personal accomplishment.

Are you inspired to begin your plan to accomplish the CDFA designation? Learn more about the process here: https://bit.ly/SDACDFALearnMore

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 Justin Hoff, CDFA, Office Manager with Martin Gardner Architecture in Marion, Iowa.

What motivated you to earn your CDFA certification?

From early on in my career in the architecture field I was looking for ways to increase my knowledge and exposure about how design firms operate and project management.

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

I did not have any concerns about the exam. I think though that working in the industry for over 13 years definitely helped give me the confidence to succeed.

What study tools did you find most useful?

I found the CDFA-yoU materials to be most beneficial to me. Going through the weekly group discussions was helpful to see what other options and ideas existed was important for me to look at things in another light. It was also helpful to see the weekly sampled test questions.

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

I learned a lot of new things about travel. Being that I work in a smaller firm that mostly operates in one state most travel is by car with limited need for hotel accommodations.

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

Oddly enough I struggled the most with Office Administration I thought that this would have been my strongest area, but any more office administration is such a small part of my daily duties because we have automated so many of those processes.

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

CDFA plays a large roll in my professional and especially my personal growth. Obtaining my CDFA has been a goal I have had for over 10 years. So to finally complete that personally feels great, and has allowed me to ask myself the questions, What’s next? Professionally it gives credence to me what others have said for a long time. I’m a “Rock Star”.

Was your employer supportive of your CDFA goals and accomplishment?

My employer is very supportive of personal and professional growth. Everyone here sets goals each year, and our President and Principal Architect supports each individual differently on their needs.

How did you and your firm, celebrate your achievement?

My firm posted my achievement in our office “Bragging Rights” team chat. I celebrated by feeling relief that I passed and with family.

What has obtaining your CDFA meant to you?

Obtaining my CDFA means that I can accomplish goals that I set, no matter how long it takes, and how many distractions get in the way. To me it has given me the confidence to look at what’s next for my growth, knowing that I can succeed.

Are you inspired to accomplish your CDFA designation? Learn more about the process here: https://bit.ly/SDACDFALearnMore