Steadfast Support and Lasting Impact: Arlene Mohammed Honored with SDA’s Star Award

When a member embodies the heart of SDA’s mission—empowering AEC firm leaders through knowledge, connection, and shared success—the community takes notice. For over a decade, Arlene Mohammed of SDA’s Atlanta Chapter has done just that. With a career spanning 18 years at Eberly & Associates, LLC and 11 years of active SDA membership, Arlene’s dedication, generosity, and leadership have earned her one of SDA’s highest honors: the Star Award. This recognition highlights not only her professional excellence but also her unwavering commitment to the advancement of SDA and the broader AEC community.

A Tribute to Consistent Contribution: The Star Award

Presented annually, the SDA Star Award honors members who consistently demonstrate exceptional service, a collaborative spirit, and a deep commitment to SDA’s mission. Unlike performance-based awards tied to a single milestone, the Star Award celebrates longevity, mentorship, and a genuine passion for helping others thrive. Arlene’s selection is a testament to the influence she’s had over the years—not only within her firm but across the SDA network.

Peers describe Arlene as “kind and supportive,” with a wealth of SDA knowledge and a generous willingness to share it. She’s been a steady source of guidance for chapter members, always ready to lend a hand or offer insight when needed. In a community built on connection, her presence has been both foundational and inspiring.

From Accounting to Principal: Arlene’s Professional Path

Arlene’s professional journey is one marked by growth, trust, and leadership. With a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting, she joined Eberly & Associates, LLC nearly two decades ago. Today, she serves as Controller and Principal—roles that reflect both her technical expertise and the respect she’s earned within the firm.

Her leadership style balances precision with compassion, making her not only a trusted financial steward but also a valued voice in company culture. As a Principal, Arlene contributes to strategic decision-making that influences operations, profitability, and long-term planning. Her ability to bridge the worlds of finance and leadership exemplifies the type of multidisciplinary strength SDA strives to cultivate among its members.

Arlene joined SDA 11 years ago and quickly became a pillar of the Atlanta Chapter. She has volunteered her time, mentored newer members, and continuously advocated for SDA’s value in professional development. Her contributions have directly supported chapter growth and sustained engagement in the Southeast region.

Shaping the Industry Through Mentorship and Vision

While Arlene’s professional and organizational accomplishments are impressive, her influence reaches beyond titles and metrics. She’s known for sharing insights generously—whether that’s guiding a peer through budgeting best practices or offering advice to a new chapter leader. Her leadership has helped shape not just her firm’s internal processes but the professional lives of those around her.

With retirement on the horizon in April 2026, Arlene continues to focus on lifting others up, leaving behind a legacy of mentorship, empowerment, and operational excellence that will echo throughout the AEC community.

Celebrating One of SDA’s Brightest Stars

SDA is proud to honor Arlene Mohammed with the 2025 Star Award. Her example reminds us that leadership doesn’t always look like the loudest voice in the room—it often looks like the steady, kind hand that helps others rise.

Arlene, your dedication, wisdom, and warmth have touched so many. Congratulations on this well-earned recognition. Your legacy inspires us all.

In a world that never stops moving, time often feels elusive. We juggle work, family, and personal goals—yet somehow, the things we want to do always get pushed aside. Have you ever felt busy all day, only to wonder what you actually accomplished? 

Whether you're preparing for the CDFO exam, leading a team, or simply trying to find time to breathe, let’s explore practical strategies to beat procrastination, increase efficiency, and reclaim time for what is truly most important to you.

Why we procrastinate, and how to break the cycle

Procrastination isn’t laziness—it’s often a response to fear of failure, feeling overwhelmed, or having a lack of clarity. The key is to start small and build momentum. 

At EDS25, speaker Carla Howard reflected on the time management technique known as “Eat the Frog.”  If it’s your job to eat a frog, do it first thing in the morning—it’s likely the worst thing you’ll face all day. The “frog” represents your most challenging task. Tackling it first gives you a sense of accomplishment that fuels the rest of your day.

Break tasks into micro-steps. 

Instead of: “I need to study for the CDFO,” try: “I’ll review one section for 20 minutes.” This micro-commitment lowers resistance and gets you moving.

Time Management Techniques

If frogs aren’t your thing, here are other effective time management techniques:

• Pomodoro Technique:  Work in focused 25-minute intervals with 5-minute breaks. After four sessions, take a longer break. Great for maintaining energy and focus.
• Time Blocking: Schedule your day in blocks dedicated to specific tasks. This minimizes distractions and ensures time is allocated to what matters.
• Eisenhower Matrix: Prioritize tasks by urgency and importance. Focus on what’s important, not just what’s screaming for attention.
• The 2-Minute Rule: If a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately. It clears mental clutter and builds momentum.

Automate and Delegate

Efficiency isn’t just about doing more—it’s about doing less of what doesn’t matter. What tasks can you eliminate? Ask yourself: Am I being busy, or am I being effective?

• Use automation tools like Zapier, Notion, or Google Calendar to handle repetitive tasks.
• Delegate tasks that don’t require your unique skills.
• Batch similar tasks (like emails) to reduce context switching. (Wearing too many hats hurts your brain!)

Learn to say “No”

Is the task your responsibility, or are you stepping in to be helpful?  Saying no to tasks that drain your time and distract you from your priorities is a vital time management skill.  Learning to say “no” is part of practicing assertive communication and setting healthy boundaries.  If you need to say no, offer an alternative solution. 

What to Do With the Time You Save?

As you advance in your career and leadership, maximizing efficiency empowers you to choose how to utilize your reclaimed time.

• Do another task. Yes, if you’re building momentum towards a goal you've set for yourself.
•  Meditate or journal. Self-care is a way to recharge your mind.
• Travel or explore. Absolutely! A simple walk outside can energize you.
• Stop and smell the roses.   Literally, be present. Living in the moment is powerful.
• Schedule “white space” in your calendar—time with no agenda. White space gives you room to focus and reset, freeing you from constant reactivity, replacing it with intentional, distraction-free time for productive work.

Lead by example

If you’re in a leadership role, your time habits set the tone for your team. Model the following:

• Prioritization over busyness
• Boundaries over burnout
• Purpose over pressure

Empower your team to work smarter—not harder.

Studying for the CDFO? You’ve got this!

If preparing for the new Certificate in Design Firm Operations (CDFO) exam feels daunting, SDA has resources at your fingertips. Join a study group or find an accountability partner. Use the strategies above to break your study plan into manageable pieces, and reward yourself after each session to reinforce the habit.

Time Is a tool—use it with intention. 

Time management isn’t about squeezing more into your day. It’s about making space for what matters most. When you master your time, you reclaim your energy, your focus, and your freedom to enjoy what matters most to you.

You don’t need more hours in the day—you need more intention in the hours you already have. What time management tips have been useful for you? Share them in the comment box below.

Spotlight Resources:

CDFO Information and Application

Online resources:  SDA Blog Article - That One Thing

Thanks to the generous support of the Past Presidents Council, I had the incredible honor of attending EDSymposium25 in Lexington, Kentucky, as a recipient of the 2025 PPC Professional Development Grant. This was my first national SDA event, and I wasn’t quite sure what to expect— but I came home feeling inspired, energized, and deeply connected to a community of administrative professionals who understand exactly what it means to work in the AEC industry.

The sessions I attended weren’t just informative, they were transformational. I walked away with insights I can use right away, and I made connections that reminded me just how powerful our professional network can be. Below are reflections on four sessions that really stayed with me.

Critical Thinking: Think People Are Born with the Ability to Think Critically? Think Again

Presented by Carla Howard

This pre-conference workshop kicked off the week with a bang. Carla Howard guided us through what she called the Critical Thinking Skill Stack, and I was amazed at how immediately useful and relevant it all felt. One of the most empowering things she said was, “None of us were born with a critical thinking gene”—which means this is something we can all get better at.

The session broke down the elements of strong critical thinking: being curious, listening intently, analyzing information, offering solutions, making decisions, and communicating crisply. Each one came with actionable habits and self-reflection questions. I also appreciated the reminder to question assumptions and stay open-minded.

The workshop didn’t just stay theoretical—it included simple strategies, like incorporating mindful observation or even playing puzzle games, to build those skills over time. It was a great reminder that everyday moments are opportunities to sharpen our thinking, and that will help us lead and contribute more effectively at work.

What resonated most with me was the concept of focusing on the idea, not the path. Too often, I find myself getting caught up in how I got to a conclusion, wanting to justify or defend it. Carla reminded us that this tendency can actually distract from the value of the idea itself. That really hit home. I tend to want to explain how I arrived at a decision, but sometimes that can overshadow the idea itself. That insight made me realize how often I can get in my own way. Since coming home, I’ve been trying to notice those moments—when I’m tempted to dig in or defend, and instead, lean into curiosity. That shift feels small but powerful.

R(AI)sing Your AI IQ

Presented by Kristin Kautz

Kristin Kautz’s workshop was fast-paced, exciting, and eye-opening. She talked about how AI is changing the AEC industry, and challenged us to think not just about what tools we’re using—but how we’re using them. One of her core messages was that AI can generate ideas and content, but it’s our human judgment that gives it meaning. That really connected back to the earlier sessions on critical thinking.

Of all the smart strategies and best practices Kristin shared, the most memorable takeaway for me was the idea of an office “safeword” or emoji. With the rise of deepfakes and AI-generated voices and videos, it’s becoming harder to tell what’s real. I never expected a professional development conference to include a cybersecurity epiphany—but there it was. This simple idea gave me a concrete way to bring safety and clarity into our digital communication practices at work.

Kristin also encouraged us to audit our firm’s tech stack—to evaluate where we’re wasting time, what tools we’re underutilizing, and what we can automate. It was a call to action I didn’t know I needed. I left this session feeling ready to not only embrace new tools, but also help lead smarter conversations around how we use them.

Courageous Conversations: Your Key to Career Success

Keynote by Carla Howard

Carla’s keynote the following morning built beautifully on the critical thinking session. Her framework for handling difficult conversations gave me a roadmap for how to speak up when it matters most. We discussed how to navigate conversations where opinions differ, emotions run high, or the outcome really matters to us—scenarios that are all too familiar in our professional lives.

Two specific takeaways really stuck with me: stop overexplaining, and remember that silence is part of the conversation. I’ve always felt a need to fill the air, to explain every angle, but Carla reminded us that influence doesn’t come from talking more—it comes from being clear and confident. Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is pause and let the other person speak.

Another big shift for me? Replacing the word “but” with “and.” It’s such a small change, but it transforms the tone of a conversation from confrontational to collaborative. That one word swap will help me communicate in a way that feels more respectful and effective. This session made me braver—and more mindful—in how I advocate for myself and others.

Managing Evolving Risks of AI in Design and Construction

Presented by Diane Mika

If Kristin’s session was about the potential of AI, Diane Mika’s was a clear-eyed look at the responsibilities and risks that come with it. She walked us through how to create thoughtful AI policies and made a strong case for why firms need to start documenting their AI strategies now—not later. Legal, ethical, and professional responsibilities are shifting fast, and this session helped me see how crucial it is that our policies keep up.

What stuck with me most was the concept of the “evolving standard of care.” Diane posed a powerful question: If most firms are using AI tools and you’re not, are you still meeting the standard of care? That one question reframed the conversation for me. It’s not just about innovation—it’s about liability, credibility, and the future of professional practice. The idea that what’s considered “ordinary” is changing really emphasized the urgency of not just reacting to AI trends, but leading with thoughtful, proactive policies.

Diane’s framework emphasized human oversight, documentation, and staying informed as regulations and professional standards continue to shift. This session helped me see that having a clear, written policy isn’t just best practice—it’s a necessity, and one I plan to help develop within our office.

How It All Came Together

What made these sessions especially powerful was how interconnected they were. The conference felt less like a collection of isolated workshops and more like a cohesive learning journey. Critical thinking laid the foundation for assessing information. Courageous Conversations taught me how to use that judgment to communicate with integrity. The AI sessions showed me how to apply those skills in a fast-changing digital world—balancing opportunity with responsibility.

Each session reinforced the others in meaningful ways. Together, they gave me new tools, a new mindset, and a stronger voice. I came home not just with ideas, but with a sense of clarity and confidence about where I want to grow professionally—and how I can help guide others in my firm to do the same.

Final Thoughts

Attending EdSymposium25 wasn’t just a great professional experience—it was a moment of growth. I’m so thankful to the Past Presidents Council for the support, and to the SDA community for creating a space where learning, connection, and encouragement are always front and center. I left Lexington inspired, informed, and ready to keep moving forward.

We’d love to hear from you! What part of Carrie’s EDSymposium25 experience resonated most with you? Leave a comment below to let her know! And while you're at it—think back to your own EDSymposium experience. What session, speaker, or moment made a lasting impact? Or if you haven’t attended yet, what are you hoping to gain when you do? Let’s keep the inspiration (and conversation) going!