Hey, SDA Trailblazers!

We are thrilled to announce the formation of the SDA Innovation in Education Committee (IEC). In conjunction with our national chapters, this committee represents SDA’s commitment to stepping up our learning tools and furthering the professional growth of design firm personnel across the United States and Canada.

Guided by our Committee Leader, Brittany Jamison, CDFA ,and committee members Anne McNeely, CDFA; Penny Nelson, CDFA; Deborah Gill, CPA, FSDA; Emily Moline Meyer, CDFA; and Kimberly Celenza, the IEC will craft enriching content to launch in April. These individuals bring their unique skills and experiences to the committee, contributing to the diversity and richness of the resources provided. Together, they will work towards creating a robust reference system that enables SDA members to navigate challenges and achieve excellence within the A/E/C industry. We aim to provide A|E|C specific education, best management practices, and training on professional standards.

Using the CDFA (Certification in Design Firm Administration) Resource Guide as the stepping-off platform, the IEC will concentrate its efforts on the six focus areas essential for the success and advancement of best practices in design firm management: finance, human resources, marketing, project management, office administration, and leadership and actively curate additional resources for each one.

This concentrated effort ensures SDA members access to a wealth of information and tools to excel in their respective roles, including blogs, white papers, book and article references, infographics, webinars, and other relevant information.

We invite you to join the committee or share any information, resources, or concepts you want to see covered by the IEC. Contact Brittany Jamison (bcharlick@cross2dg.com) and she will be happy to give you all the information you need. 

Stay tuned for more updates as we dive deep into continuing education, best management practices, and training on professional standards. Your growth matters to us, and we’re impressed with your work, participation, and engagement!

#ABL – AlwaysBeLearning
Innovation in Education Committee

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.

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 Chrisandrea Clark, CDFA, Human Resources Manager with dtj Design in Denver, CO.

What motivated you to earn your CDFA certification?

Being in the A/E industry for over 15 years, I desired a way to be able to show my expertise as a Designer Firm Administrator.

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

I was pretty nervous about taking the exam since I hadn’t had to take an exam like this since college.

What study tools did you find most useful?

CDFA-yoU and self-studying proved very helpful in preparing for the exam!

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

There are quite a few things that I learned in the areas I don’t touch on as much on a daily basis.

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

No, I mostly self-studied. I had plenty of encouragement from my supervisor and others in my local SDA chapter.

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

With my CDFA I have been provided the opportunity to work in roles that touch in all the major areas that the exam covered, from Project and Administrative Management to HR leadership . I feel qualified and well-equipped to handle any role in the A/E industry as a Certified Design Firm Administrator.

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

Just do it! Don’t procrastinate and delay applying to sit for it once eligible. Set the date and begin studying as soon as possible!

What has obtaining your CDFA meant to you?

Personally, it means a sense of accomplishment. I set out to show my advanced knowledge of being an administrator in our industry and it has been looked upon very highly amongst leadership firms I’ve worked with.