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

SDA is committed to encouraging and supporting personal growth, and professional development of individuals working in the AEC Industry. One way SDA delivers on this commitment is offering the CDFA credential. Reaching CDFA status includes passing an exam that covers five core areas of the AEC Industry business: project management, marketing, finance, office administration and human resources.  SDA's Certification Committee works diligently to provide study materials and resources that will aid in preparing for the exam. However, it still takes commitment and effort on the part of each individual. To acknowledge those who have reached CDFA status, and to inspire others to follow in their footsteps, the Certification Committee is pleased to spotlight these accomplished individuals.

Spotlight: Elizabeth Foster, CDFA Reaching Goals

Elizabeth Foster is a/the Executive Assistant with Cuningham in Minneapolis, MN. She has been a member of the SDA Minneapolis/St. Paul Chapter for three years and served two years on the chapter programs committee and is currently chapter secretary.

What motivated you to earn your CDFA certification?

It was a professional development goal of mine. I love learning in general and this was a way to continue that with my career.

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

I was worried about finding the time to study between work and a personal life. I ended up building study time into my day right after work, so I never even left my desk, just switched my focus.

What study tools did you find most useful?

I found the CDFA-yoU materials and flashcards to be the most helpful. I would create the flashcards at the end of reading the study material and then work on them before starting the next section. It helped me to break down the topics into chunks that were manageable to learn.

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

I wasn't very up on HR topics before the exam. I learned a lot in that section and really enjoyed how it made my life as an employee easier! Now I better understand how to pick my benefits and how to work with HR.

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

It has made me more visible at work, as a number of the amazing professionals in my office also have CDFAs. It helps network us all together and increases our visibility!

Was your employer supportive of your CDFA goals and accomplishments?

Yes, very much so! Cuningham helped with the expenses of registration, encouraged the exam as part of my continuing education, and my coworkers provided much-needed moral support.

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

A lovely post was made on our company internal page celebrating the achievement!!

What has obtaining your CDFA meant to you?

It has been a goal achieved (both personally and professionally) and a way to celebrate administrative skills.