Three years ago, I swapped firms after 15 years at the same one joining a firm with 16 offices across the states and took on caregiving for my elderly mom. Chaos? Absolutely. While my personal and professional lives were doing somersaults, SDA was the steady force that helped me keep my footing—at least professionally. That stability inspired me to take a hard look at how I was spending my time. This year I am stepping away from a state nonprofit board after serving 5 years, while wrapping up my role as a city arts commissioner, and decided 2025 would be my year to refocus on growth (and maybe sleep).

Since joining SDA in 2017, I’ve soaked up seminars, national conventions, and committee work—even presented a few Quick in 30s.  SDA has been my go-to for industry insight, skill building, and connecting with the kind of people who actually get what we do. I needed a reboot.

The plan? Double down on my growth, finally pursue my CDFO (Certificate in Design Firm Operations), and get back to the community that helped shape my career. I’d been missing EDSymposiums—those energizing annual gatherings of like-minded doers and thinkers—and the absence was starting to feel like skipping the main course of a really great meal. The flavor just wasn’t the same.

Enter: the PPC Grant. Perfect timing, perfect purpose. It gave me the opportunity to return to EDSymposium, reconnect with longtime colleagues, and plug back into the conversations that matter. Yes, the sessions were incredible, but let’s be honest—the shared war stories and tips from fellow members were just as impactful

However, of all the insightful sessions, a few stood out as game changers for me. First up on day one Kristin Kautz’s R(AI)sing Your AI IQ half day workshop. It really framed AI not as a buzzword but as a systemic shift—one we simply cannot afford to ignore. There are tools already at our fingertips, and many of us (guilty!) are either underusing them or don’t even know they exist. She made the entire topic approachable, acknowledging the concerns while championing the potential. I’ve been working with AI tools in Canva for SDA for over a year, and even I walked away with a fresh perspective—and a longer to-do list. Her message was clear: this train has already left the station. It’s time to get on board or risk being left behind.

The next day, Diane Mika picked up the thread with Managing Evolving Risks of AI in Design and Construction. Her session emphasized the need for firms to start drafting real policies now—addressing concerns around data, ethical use, and content credibility. It served as the perfect complement to Kristin’s session: practical, informative, and a strong reminder that AI isn’t just about convenience—it’s about responsibility.

After not only these workshops but also chatting with fellow attendees—whether in side conversations, between sessions, or yes, at the bar—investing in AI as a tool in my bag felt like a no-brainer. I’ve dabbled before, but once I got home, I made it official and got my own personal paid AI assistant. Now “Zoey” is by my side, helping me stay efficient, streamline tasks, and free up brain space to focus on the actual work. (Fun fact: Zoey even lent a hand getting this blog post written. So, if you’re enjoying it, thank her too—we make a good team 😉)

Now, let’s talk about the session that might’ve hit the most personal nerve: Carla Howard’s keynote address Courageous Conversations which came perfectly a day after her workshop on Critical Thinking. This was an early morning and over breakfast, but it was the perfect wakeup call addressing those “ugh, do I really have to have this talk?” moments and turned them into something empowering. She didn’t just tell us why tough conversations matters she showed us how to have them. She broke down the process into digestible “elements,” and somehow turned a potentially uncomfortable topic into something empowering, even energizing.  Her six steps—Candidness, Choosing Your Mood, and Inviting Collaboration, among others—were more than just slides on a screen. They were frameworks I could immediately apply. It seems I might use some of these in those family holiday conversations that tend to walk the tightrope of disaster. Carla reminded us that difficult conversations don’t have to be disasters. With the right tools, they can be opportunities for growth, clarity, and (dare I say) actual connection. And if you’re like me her outlines and breakdowns in the materials provided are your new go-to reference sheets—already highlighted, and living permanently on your desktop.

Now I’m back in my little corner of the world—juggling CDFO coursework, learning the ropes as your new SDA National Vice President (still not sure who let that happen), and seeking ways to boost our SDA membership (if you haven’t heard we all are connecting on LinkedIn, so connect with me already!)

Most importantly, I’m channeling everything I absorbed at EDSymposium into my work at MIG and into conversations with my colleagues—encouraging them to explore their own professional paths. I believe deeply that operations professionals deserve spaces to grow, learn, and lead. SDA provides exactly that, and I’m honored to be part of its leadership at this exciting time.

To the PPC committee: thank you. This grant allowed me to reconnect, reenergize, and realign with my goals. It wasn’t just about attending a conference—it was about re-entering a space that fuels me professionally and personally.

To anyone wondering if attending EDSymposium is worth it: It is. The content is rich, the people are brilliant, and the impact lingers long after you leave the ballroom.

And to those who might be considering applying for the PPC Grant in the future: Do it. Don’t hesitate. Invest in yourself—you’re worth it, and so is this experience.

Because at the end of the day, whether you’re crunching numbers, managing people, or holding it all together with spreadsheets and snacks—this is a career of opportunity and growth.

We’d love to hear from you! What part of Fran'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! 

April is Administrative Professionals Month, and at SDA, we’re taking time to recognize the dedicated professionals who keep A/E/C firms running smoothly. Many of our members may not always be in the spotlight—but day in and day out, they bring knowledge, leadership, and consistency to their teams. This month, we're celebrating their contributions by sharing insights, experiences, and stories that highlight the value they bring to our industry and to one another. This week we hear from Nikki Pierce, CDFA, LEED AP.  Nikki is a member of our National Membership Committee and a Member-at-Large located in Charlotte, NC.

In the A/E/C industry, knowledge is the foundation of a successful firm. When employees have access to the right information—clear expectations, policies, and best practices—everyone benefits. A culture of knowledge sharing improves efficiency, fosters innovation, and strengthens your firm’s ability to grow and adapt.

Getting Started: Key Questions to Ask

Before diving into improvements, take a moment to assess your firm's current knowledge-sharing practices. Ask yourself:

• Is critical knowledge clearly documented and easy to find?
• Are policies and standards up to date and well-labeled?
• Can employees quickly connect with subject matter experts?

If the answers aren’t clear, it may be time to advocate for a stronger, more structured approach to knowledge sharing.

Organizing and Labeling Information for Better Access

Once you've identified areas for improvement, focus on making information organized, accessible, and reliable. Consider these best practices:

• Group similar content together – Store all accounting policies in one location, HR guidelines in another, etc.
• Use clear labeling and alphabetical order – This makes it easier to navigate without needing a hierarchy.
• Date all content – Keeping timestamps visible ensures accuracy and prevents outdated information from circulating.
• Control editing rights – Limit access to a small team to maintain information integrity.
• Maintain an archive – A historical record allows teams to reference older policies when needed.

Taking Action: Where to Start

A small, intentional step can create a big impact. Start with a clear goal, like:
"By the end of the quarter, all Project Management documents will be updated, dated, and stored in a central location."

From there, follow these steps:

1. Gather all existing documentation.
2. Update the content and include the latest dates.
3. Develop a plan for implementation.
4. Seek feedback and support from key stakeholders.
5. Publish the content in an accessible location.
6. Communicate where to find the information and how to use it.

By championing knowledge sharing within your firm, you help create an environment where collaboration thrives, efficiency improves, and teams are empowered with the right information.

Thanks Nikki. Creating a culture of knowledge sharing doesn’t happen overnight—but every small step makes a difference. Whether you're organizing documentation, encouraging collaboration, or simply starting the conversation within your firm, your advocacy can have a lasting impact. By making knowledge accessible and empowering others to contribute, you're not just improving operations—you’re strengthening your entire team.

We’d love to hear from you! What strategies have worked in your firm to promote knowledge sharing? Drop a comment below and join the conversation—let’s keep learning from one another.

April 24 was National Administrative Professionals Day. And this year, we’re taking a different approach. At SDA, we’re celebrating how business professionals in the A|E industry with roles in marketing, finance, human resources, project management, and operations keep the firm in business. Instead of spotlighting individual achievements, we’re diving into the collective essence of our firms, celebrating the interconnectedness of diverse business functions that underpin design endeavors. Much like the celebrated Architecture and Engineering Weeks, let’s delve deeper all week into the intricate business ecosystem of our firms. Today's focus is Operations.

In the intricate world of architecture and engineering, the design process often takes center stage, with its creative endeavors and technical innovations capturing the spotlight. Yet, behind the scenes, two critical functions quietly ensure the success and viability of every project: contract administration and risk management.

These functions are often seen as the unsung heroes of project execution, handling the intricate details that can make or break a project’s outcome. Imagine, for a moment, the complexity of an 18-month project with four critical milestones spaced every four months. Here, the intricacies of contract administration come into sharp focus. Do you prefer invoicing four times throughout the project’s duration, or would you opt for the flexibility of monthly progress billing? The answer might seem trivial, but it has profound implications for working capital management and project liquidity.

Trained contract administrators are pivotal in navigating these intricacies, scrutinizing every clause and provision to ensure alignment with project goals and objectives. One of their critical tasks is to zero in on the Payment Clause, as well as the Limited Liability and Rights of Use clauses, to control professional liability and financial risk.

Furthermore, operations specialists are instrumental in securing signed contracts with all subconsultants, a crucial step in mitigating professional liability insurance costs. Ensuring that all subcontractors have the requisite certificates of insurance helps shield the firm from potential legal and financial liabilities.

SDA recognizes the paramount importance of effective contract administration and risk management. That’s why we’ve partnered with industry leaders like Berkeley Design Professionals to offer comprehensive webinars and conference sessions on these critical topics. Through these educational initiatives, we empower our members to stay abreast of the latest best practices and industry standards, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to navigate complex contractual landscapes confidently and precisely.

In essence, contract administration and risk management are the bedrock upon which successful projects are built. By investing in these fundamental functions and arming our members with the necessary knowledge and resources, we position them for success in an ever-evolving industry landscape.

Want to know more about contract administration and risk? Check out these SDA programs:

SDA Webinars:

Did I Say That? Managing Claims & Liability in Electronic Business Communication – Karen Serger & Bruce Miller

Risk Management Essentials of the New Normal – Diane Mika, Berkley Design Professionals