We're thrilled to announce the SDA Fellows Class of 2024, recognizing leaders who've significantly impacted SDA and the A/E/C industry. Congratulations to Gretchen Renz for joining this prestigious group. Jury comments included:

"Gretchen’s leadership and involvement in helping SDA become a more virtual organization, which allows so many of our members around the Country to see the value of SDA and become more involved has been an invaluable asset to the organization!   It is very evident that Gretchen has a passion of mentorship and teaching.  No matter what area in her life, professional, in SDA and in her personal life she makes it a mission to give back and teach others."

Gretchen will be inducted into the 2024 Class of Fellows at the EDSymposium24 Awards Banquet in Colorado Springs, Colorado on June 13, 2024. Her commitment to excellence sets a high standard for practice management in our industry.

The Fellows designation encourages continuous self-development and community contribution. Join us in celebrating Gretchen Renz, FSDA and the SDA Fellows Class of 2024 as we shape the future of A/E/C industry business operations.

Time for another interview with one of our members who have recently accomplished their CDFA designation by passing the Certified Design Firm Administrator exam. This week we'll hear from Brandi Denmark, CDFA, Senior Administrative Assistant IV | Environmental Safety and Health with Pond & Company, Birmingham, Alabama.

What motivated you to earn your CDFA certification?

The desire to learn new skills and sharpen existing skills. It also gives me the ability to excel in my position and become a larger asset to my company.

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

Venturing into unknown areas always comes with apprehension allowing myself to accept new information and encouragement of the people around me to help me overcome my concerns.

What study tools did you find most useful?

Studying in general is difficult for anyone but I was glad that I was able to be a part of the CDFA Marathon Training Group during weeks leading up to the testing.

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

There were several aspects of the study material that I found not only surprising but quite interesting. I would have to say that the Office Administrative section to be the most informative.

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

I would have to say the most intense section to me was the Human Resources Section. There are many rules/regulations to learn to make sure the employees’ rights are not compromised.

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

Yes indeed. I had several CDFA members help with my preparation of testing along with other future test takers. Their knowledge and patience of the material really put me at ease.

Was your employer supportive of your CDFA goals and accomplishment?

Yes, my supervisor was completely supportive. He encouraged me by giving me the time and space to study and prepare for my testing.

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

Study and attend the marathon trainings. Ask questions.

What has obtaining your CDFA meant to you?

It gives me a high sense of accomplishment, achievement and courage to aim higher in my career.

Hae you been inspired to accomplish YOUR 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 Jacqueline Coté, CDFA, Associate Principal/ Office Manager with Architectural Workshop in Denver, Colorado.

What motivated you to earn your CDFA certification?

I was interested in doing something to invest in my role and my employer suggested finding an organization to support me. After my research SDA seemed to be the best fit and jumping in and taking the certification made the most sense.

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

I was concerned about studying and taking a test, it’s been a long time since I have had to do that.

What study tools did you find most useful?

I found that practice questions helped me the most. I would read and review a section at a time and then do the practice questions for that section. On any question I got wrong or felt as though I struggled, I would reread that section.

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

I was surprised how much of the content I am exposed to throughout my day. I wear so many different hats in my role.

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

As a new member knowing that I have a group of people in similar roles around the country that I can ask question of is great.

Was your employer supportive of your CDFA goals and accomplishment?

Yes, my employer encouraged me to find an organization to be involved with that would help with the responsibilities of my role within our firm. They have taken care of the dues and fees for me.

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

Jump in and do it, don’t over think it. There is a lot of it you know and there will be a lot of new stuff too but read the materials and find your best method to study and build in the time to do it.

What has obtaining your CDFA meant to you?

It felt great to set a personal goal and achieve it in the amount of time that was part of the goal. Yes, it is work related, but I did it for myself.

Are you ready to begin the journey toward accomplishing your CDFA designation? Learn more about the process here: https://bit.ly/SDACDFALearnMore