From Chapter Champion to Industry Influencer: Jacqueline Coté Earns SDA Denver’s Star Award

When a leader combines operational precision with a passion for community, the results can reshape both a firm’s culture and a professional network. Since joining the SDA in January 2021, Jacqueline Coté has elevated the Denver Chapter through her unwavering dedication and thoughtful leadership. Now, her exceptional service has been honored nationally: Jacqueline, Associate Principal and Office Manager at Architectural Workshop, is a 2025 recipient of the prestigious SDA Star Award.

This award not only celebrates Jacqueline’s contributions to the SDA but also recognizes how her energy and commitment have strengthened the administrative core of AEC practices in her region and beyond.

Honoring Excellence in Service and Leadership

The Star Award recognizes individuals who exemplify outstanding service to their local chapter and to the Society as a whole. It is one of SDA’s highest honors, celebrating members who go above and beyond in areas such as event planning, publications, recruitment, and organizational leadership.

In Jacqueline’s case, her creative and consistent outreach as Membership Chair—ranging from recruitment campaigns to personal touches like birthday recognition—has not only grown the Denver Chapter but also deepened its sense of connection. Her efforts reflect the very spirit of the Star Award: a commitment to community, collaboration, and continual growth.

A Career Built on Operational Excellence

Jacqueline’s path in the AEC industry is rooted in a rare combination of business acumen and team-focused leadership. At Architectural Workshop, she oversees the operational backbone of the firm, bringing structure and efficiency to the creative process. Her background in economics and sociology, earned at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, informs her holistic understanding of organizational behavior—skills she deploys daily to support a thriving, collaborative studio environment.

Since joining SDA, Jacqueline has continued to invest in her professional development. She is a Certified Design Firm Administrator (CDFA) and part of the inaugural class to earn the Certificate in Design Firm Operations (CDFO), both of which reflect her deep expertise in the AEC business landscape.

Elevating the Industry—One Connection at a Time

Beyond the walls of her firm, Jacqueline’s impact resonates across the AEC industry. Through SDA, she fosters meaningful connections among peers, championing the value of professional development and shared knowledge. Her enthusiasm at the chapter level has inspired other members to get involved, demonstrating how strong leadership at the grassroots level can ripple across an entire organization.

As SDA continues to champion the business professionals who keep AEC firms running smoothly, Jacqueline’s journey reminds us of the power of service-minded leadership. Her story is proof that operational excellence and people-first values are not mutually exclusive—they are, in fact, the formula for long-term impact.

Celebrating a Star in Our Ranks

Jacqueline Coté’s recognition with the Star Award shines a light on the kind of leadership that sustains and elevates SDA. Her efforts have strengthened the Denver Chapter, enriched the national community, and demonstrated the tangible value of SDA membership.

SDA is proud to count Jacqueline among its most dedicated members, and we look forward to seeing how her leadership continues to inspire and influence others across the AEC industry.

Newcomer, Natural Leader: Kim Hunter’s Enthusiasm Earns Her SDA’s Star Award

Some people make an immediate impact—not by seeking the spotlight, but by radiating warmth, reliability, and purpose from day one. Kim Hunter, Studio Coordinator at Gensler’s Dallas office, has been a member of SDA for just over a year, yet her presence already feels essential. Recognized by the Dallas Chapter for her outstanding positivity, initiative, and team spirit, Kim is the proud recipient of this year’s SDA Star Award—a celebration of her exceptional contributions and the deep connection she’s built with the SDA community in record time.

An Award for Those Who Shine Brightest from Within

The SDA Star Award honors members who exemplify collaboration, reliability, and a passion for lifting others up—qualities Kim has embodied since her first day. While the award often recognizes longtime members, Kim’s selection speaks volumes about her character. In just over a year, she has become a vital part of chapter life, proving that the strength of one's impact isn’t measured in time, but in generosity, commitment, and kindness.

From the moment she joined SDA, Kim “dove in headfirst,” immediately joining the Dallas Chapter’s CANstruction Committee. Her blend of diligence and joy has left a lasting impression. Whether she’s helping organize logistics or brightening a meeting with her genuine smile, Kim is described by peers as “the kindest, most helpful and joyful person you’ll ever meet.”

Professional Strength Meets Human Connection

At Gensler, Kim serves as Studio Coordinator—a role that requires precision, poise, and an eye for both detail and big-picture operations. With over a year at one of the world’s most renowned architecture firms, she brings both fresh perspective and steadfast professionalism to her team.

Prior to joining Gensler, Kim cultivated a career built on trust, organization, and relationship-building—qualities that now serve both her studio and her SDA chapter. As a mother to a college senior and a longtime enthusiast of University of Kansas sports, Kim balances her professional life with a vibrant personal world. Whether attending a local theater production or winning a hand of mahjong, she brings the same warmth and engagement that make her such a valued SDA member.

A Short Tenure, A Lasting Impact

Though Kim is relatively new to the AEC industry’s professional support network, her contributions have already left a permanent mark. Her work on the CANstruction Committee helped drive one of the chapter’s most visible and impactful community efforts, and her presence has helped energize a welcoming, inclusive culture within SDA Dallas.

Colleagues say it best: “I can’t imagine our chapter without Kim.” That’s the power of presence, and the lasting impression of a leader who leads with heart.

A Community Celebration of Excellence

SDA proudly celebrates Kim Hunter as a 2025 Star Award honoree. Her enthusiasm, trustworthiness, and kindness have enriched our community—and reminded us that true leadership starts with authenticity.

Kim, thank you for jumping in, lifting others, and being exactly the kind of teammate SDA is proud to call its own. You’re a star in every sense. Congratulations!

Signing up for something like EDSymposium25 in Lexington, Kentucky was a mix of excitement and nerves. I wasn’t sure what to expect. Would I get lost in the crowd? Would the sessions be over my head? Would I spend the whole time wishing I had brought a buddy?

Turns out, I didn’t need one. From the moment I arrived, the atmosphere was welcoming and genuinely energizing. Everyone was open, curious, and eager to connect. If you’re even slightly considering going next year, especially if it’ll be your first time, I say go for it. You’ll be so glad you did.

The whole experience was a mix of energizing sessions, practical takeaways, and casual introductions, many of which turned into real conversations and lasting professional connections. There was also that instant spark of recognition when you realize someone else truly gets the challenges you face every day.

One of the most memorable sessions was Carla Howard’s “Critical Thinking” workshop. She introduced us to her Critical Thinking Skill Stack, a practical, actionable framework designed to sharpen the way we think, solve problems, and communicate at work. We explored how to be curious, listen intently, analyze information, offer solutions, make decisions, and communicate crisply. 

I came away realizing I’m pretty strong in the listening department—focused, present, and tuned in. But my communication needs a little work. Knowing what I want to say isn’t the same as saying it clearly, especially in high-stakes or emotional moments. Carla’s framework helped me see that gap and gave me the tools to start closing it. This is where the catchphrase “Eureka!” was born. It became the theme or “inside joke” of the conference, popping up in later conversations and in other sessions.

My favorite session overall was “R(AI)sing Your AI IQ” with Kristin Kautz. I’d been curious about AI for a while but hadn’t had the time (or brain space!) to fully dive in. Kristin made it click. She broke things down in a way that was practical and empowering, not overwhelming. It wasn’t about replacing our creativity, it was about giving us time back to focus on it. (And yes, that “Eureka!” energy definitely carried over into this session too, the lightbulb moments just kept coming.) I left buzzing with ideas and have already started putting a few of them into practice. I’ve begun using AI tools like ChatGPT regularly, both at home and at work, and I’m not kidding when I say it is my new best friend. 

Carla also gave the Keynote Breakfast: Courageous Conversations, which had us digging into self-awareness, personal brand, and how to lead ourselves well before we try to lead anyone else. She had us reflecting on how others perceive us (not always a comfortable thought, but definitely a necessary one) and helped us think through how to show up more intentionally. It was heartfelt, real, and a perfect way to start the day.

As someone without a local chapter (I'm a member-at-large), this conference was my first time meeting my fellow SDA members in person. Until now, my experience had been limited to Zoom calls and emails. Being in the same room as others who understood the unique challenges of administrative work in the AEC industry was both validating and invigorating. It reminded me why I joined this organization in the first place: to learn, to connect, and to grow. 

Back at home, my mentor is preparing to take a serious medical leave and I’ll be stepping up to support more of the firm’s operational responsibilities. Attending EDS25 felt like the perfect way to prepare. I came home with fresh perspective, new tools, and renewed momentum. And if anyone back at the office needs help figuring out how AI can make their workday a little easier—well, I might just be your girl now.

To anyone on the fence: say yes. You don’t need to have all the answers or know a single soul in the room. EDS is the kind of experience that meets you where you are and gives you the inspiration, knowledge, and connections to take the next step forward.

A huge thank you to everyone who made EDS25 such a meaningful and memorable experience, and to the Past Presidents Council for offering me the grant that made it possible. I’m so glad I went and am even more excited for what’s ahead.

We’d love to hear from you! What part of Teagan’s first EDSymposium experience resonated most with you? Share your reflections in the comments below! And if you’ve attended EDSymposium before—what was your biggest “Eureka!” moment? If you haven’t, what would you hope to take away from your first time? Your insight might inspire someone else to take that leap next year!