As part of our Administrative Professionals Month celebration, SDA is highlighting the professionals who keep A/E/C firms running—those who bring clarity, connection, and consistency to their organizations every day.

This week, we’re sharing a perspective on career growth and the power of community to help you move forward by Justin Hoff, CDFA, Chief Operating Officer with Emergent Architecture in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

When I started in the AEC industry back in 2008, my title was Office Manager. I was eager to learn, but I also knew I needed support and resources that spoke to the realities of our work. Generic training just didn’t cut it and I wanted something that understood the nuances of design firm operations. That’s when I found the Society for Design Administration (SDA).

SDA became more than a professional association to me. It was a lifeline of resources, a network of peers, and a community that believed administrative professionals weren’t just support staff we were essential partners in firm leadership.

Back in those early years, I remember seeing the Certified Design Firm Administrator (CDFA) credential and thinking, “I’ll never get there.” Still, I put it on my list as a long-term goal. More than a decade later, in 2021, I finally accomplished it. Earning that certification was incredibly uplifting and it gave me confidence in my own expertise and proved that perseverance pays off. That confidence inspired me to push even further, and just a year later, I earned my SHRM-CP credential to strengthen my HR knowledge.

Over the years, SDA supported me as I moved from Office Manager to Business Manager, and later to COO. At each stage, the community gave me tools, mentors, and confidence to take the next step. Every milestone reinforced what SDA has always stood for: that the skills and leadership capacity of administrative professionals matter not just to us, but to the firms we serve.

In addition to my own career journey, I’ve had the privilege of giving back to SDA by serving on the Innovation in Education Committee, the Membership Committee and the Certification Committee, for the past two years. One of the projects I’m most proud of is helping create the new guide for the Certified Design Firm Operations (CDFO) program. Because of my involvement in shaping the program, I won’t be able to earn the credential myself for a couple of years but pursuing CDFO is now my newest SDA goal.

I also serve as a Member at Large, since I don’t have a local chapter in my area. What I’ve discovered is that this role can be just as powerful and sometimes even more so because it allows me to support chapters across the country. Being a Member at Large has opened the door for me to collaborate widely, share resources, and help strengthen SDA in multiple regions, not just one. It’s proof that no matter where you’re located, there’s a place for you in this network.

I’ve also been actively engaged with the Pacific Northwest Chapter, where I am co-leading a four-part AI webinar series alongside Carrie Hubbard, showcasing how emerging technologies can shape the future of firm administration. Collaborations like that remind me how powerful this community is. SDA isn’t just a professional association, it’s a network of amazing individuals who push each other forward, share knowledge generously, and empower one another to lead.

I never sought recognition for this work, but at the 2025 national EdSymposium Conference, I was honored with the SDA All Star Award. That moment reminded me that our efforts, the committees, the programs, the mentoring, the connections all truly go a long way and are noticed.

And it’s the network that makes the biggest difference. At a First Friday Coffee, I connected with Melanie Schmidt, who shared her firm’s experience using Deltek Ajera for ERP and Unanet for CRM. At the time, my own firm was considering that exact mix of programs, and Melanie’s firsthand feedback was critical in helping me get the project off the ground. That same First Friday Coffee connected me to Dana Sather, a Deltek Ajera Consultant and SDA member, who guided me in learning Ajera since my background had been primarily in VantagePoint. Those conversations alone saved me months of uncertainty and thousands of dollars in missteps.

The sheer volume of resources SDA offers form blogs, knowledge papers, white papers, templates, and AEC-specific guides is worth the membership fee ten times over in a single year. Add to that the ability to ask tough questions of peers, get honest feedback, and learn from others’ experiences, and the value becomes immeasurable. Time and again, SDA has helped me save both time and money by ensuring I had the right information before moving forward with major decisions.

Growth never really stops, and I believe in leading by example. Right now, I’m also studying for my Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, adding yet another tool to support operational excellence in our industry.

And that’s really the heart of SDA: wherever you are in your career, there’s a place for you to learn, grow, and lead. For some members, that looks like finding confidence in a first role. For others, it’s breaking through plateaus and stepping into new responsibilities. For all of us, it’s about knowing you’re not alone and that this community is proof that growth is possible.

So whether you’re just starting out, looking to level up, or considering what comes next, SDA can help you go further. This community is proof.

If Justin’s story resonates with you, we invite you to continue the conversation:

• Leave a comment below to share your thoughts or encourage a fellow member
• Explore upcoming SDA programs here
• Connect with peers who understand your role through the SDA Discussion Hub
• Or learn more about becoming an SDA member

Wherever you are in your career, SDA helps you go further—and this community is proof.

We invite you to explore, connect, and see how SDA can support your success.

SDA’s transition from Certified Design Firm Administrator (CDFA) to Certificate in Design Firm Operations (CDFO) reflects the evolving leadership role of today’s design firm professionals. To recognize the strength of the original CDFA, existing holders completed only the new Leadership section of the exam. Those who passed earned the CDFO—demonstrating both deep operational knowledge and the leadership skills shaping the future of the profession.

Debra Ellis, FSDA
Office Manager, Barker Rinker Seacat Architecture

What inspired you to pursue the CDFO certification after having received your CDFA? 
I felt that, as a Fellow in the organization, I should take the next step and complete this certification.

How has earning your CDFO credential impacted your confidence, skills, or credibility in your role?
This is one more credential that I have earned that I am very proud of. It shows my hard work over the years, especially since I did not complete college, and has been worth it.

Were there any doubts or hurdles you had to overcome in deciding to take the Leadership Section? How did you move past them?
The only doubt that I had was that I am not a very good test taker. However, I knew I was prepared since I had participated in the Path2Success program, so I knew the material.

What surprised you most about the preparation or exam process?
I was not surprised by the preparation of the exam process. Again, because I had participated in the Path2Sucess program.

Did you engage with the Path2Success program, CDFO Study Group, mentor, or other resources? If so, how did it help?
The Path2Success program is given by the Fellows, so yes, I participated in the program. This allowed me to read the book and join in the discussions, which helped me to understand the information in the book and the test.

What topic or section challenged you the most--and how did you tackle it?
I can't think of any specific section.

How have your employer or colleagues responded to your certification?

They celebrated in the office.

What would you say to someone in the A/E industry who is unsure if the CDFO credential is worth it?

I think that any credentials that the Administrative, HR, Accounting, and Marketing staff can achieve in the A/E/C industry, they should pursue. It helps to bring credibility to you, your position in your firm, and to SDA.

SDA’s transition from Certified Design Firm Administrator (CDFA) to Certificate in Design Firm Operations (CDFO) reflects the evolving leadership role of today’s design firm professionals. To recognize the strength of the original CDFA, existing holders completed only the new Leadership section of the exam. Those who passed earned the CDFO—demonstrating both deep operational knowledge and the leadership skills shaping the future of the profession.

Jayne Niemann, CDFO
Business Manager at Acquilano

What inspired you to pursue the CDFO certification after having received your CDFA?
I'm a lifelong learner and getting the credential is a way to show others that continuation. I've always been fascinated by leadership styles and wanted to read the study materials! I also wanted an excuse to celebrate and prove to the industry that I'm not done growing.

How has earning your CDFO credential impacted your confidence, skills, or credibility in your role?
Adding the leadership section has helped me learn about my leadership style and how I can improve as a leader. I mostly bring these skills to a non-profit that I volunteer for, but they are helpful when Principals are looking for guidance when it comes to employee engagement.

Were there any doubts or hurdles you had to overcome in deciding to take the Leadership Section? How did you move past them?
It's always nerve-wracking to take tests, so I made sure to study the materials multiple times over. I also did some deep breathing before the test started!

What surprised you most about the preparation or exam process?
I was most surprised that the study content taught me so much about myself and how I can improve as a leader. I've since made it a point to work on my inner circle - I have more of a get-stuff-done mentality and I need those that have big-picture ideas in my circle.

Did you engage with the Path2Success program, CDFO Study Group, mentor, or other resources? If so, how did it help?
Unfortunately, my calendar didn't line up with any of the additional resources.

What topic or section challenged you the most--and how did you tackle it?
I recall the project management section of the CDFA being the most challenging. Just as now, I studied extra!

How have your employer or colleagues responded to your certification?
My employer has been very generous - a bonus and a title promotion!

What would you say to someone in the A/E industry who is unsure if the CDFO credential is worth it?
I think you can never have too many letters! Keep learning and keep proving yourself - you're worth it.