When Carrie Hubbard, CDFA, joined the Pacific Northwest Chapter’s Board of Directors, she didn’t just take a seat—she took initiative. Her fearless approach to leadership and unwavering commitment to community engagement have already made a lasting impact. Now, her contributions are being recognized with the 2025 STAR Award, one of SDA’s most prestigious honors. As a proud SDA member, Carrie exemplifies the kind of forward-thinking leadership that strengthens both our organization and the broader AEC industry.

Honoring Excellence: The STAR Award Recipient

The STAR Award, presented annually by SDA, celebrates members who demonstrate outstanding leadership, innovation, and service within their chapters and the AEC community. Carrie’s selection as the 2025 STAR Award recipient reflects her immediate and meaningful contributions to the Pacific Northwest Chapter, where she has consistently stepped up to lead, support, and inspire. From moderating roundtable discussions on emerging topics like artificial intelligence to volunteering on committees and personally connecting with members each month, Carrie’s dedication is both visible and impactful.

Her recognition highlights her inquisitive nature and her willingness to challenge the status quo—qualities that push SDA forward and encourage others to think critically about how we operate and evolve. Her proactive spirit and reliability have earned the trust of her peers, and her influence continues to grow.

A Journey Defined by Action and Integrity

Carrie’s professional journey is marked by strength, determination, and a commitment to excellence. Though newer to the Pacific Northwest Chapter’s leadership team, she has quickly become a driving force. Her insights have encouraged the Board to reexamine processes and embrace innovation, helping the chapter thrive in a rapidly changing industry landscape.

Her SDA involvement reflects a deep belief in the power of community and professional development. Carrie earned her CDFA certification, further demonstrating her commitment to advancing the role of administrative professionals in AEC firms. Her leadership style—rooted in collaboration, curiosity, and consistency—has elevated the chapter’s engagement and effectiveness.

Carrie has worked at Harbor Architects for 25 years as Office Manager. Hobbies include cheering for the Kraken, animals, and a good book.

Inspiring Change Across the AEC Community

Carrie’s influence extends beyond her chapter. By leading conversations on AI and other emerging trends, she helps SDA members stay informed and empowered. Her monthly outreach to members fosters connection and mentorship, reinforcing the collaborative spirit that defines SDA. Her work not only benefits her chapter—it strengthens the entire AEC community by promoting operational excellence and thoughtful leadership.

Celebrating a True STAR

Carrie Hubbard’s receipt of the 2025 STAR Award is a testament to her passion, integrity, and impact. Her leadership inspires others to step forward, speak up, and contribute meaningfully. As SDA continues to grow and evolve, members like Carrie remind us of the strength and potential within our community.

We are proud to celebrate Carrie’s achievements and grateful for the energy she brings to SDA. Her example sets a high bar—and encourages us all to rise to it.

As we continue our CDFA Spotlight series, we’ve been thrilled by the positive feedback and engagement from our community. Each story has highlighted the dedication and hard work it takes to achieve the Certified Design Firm Administrator designation. We’re excited to keep bringing you more of these inspiring journeys. This week, we’re featuring Jamie Boggs,  Studio Coordinator with Gensler, in Los Angeles, CA. Her insights on the personal satisfaction of passing her exam are sure to inspire!

What motivated you to earn your CDFA certification?

I was motivated to become a CDFA as a commitment to the concept that a role in Firm Management in the built environment is not a transitional one but rather a fully valid career in its own right. The business of design is my specialty.

Did you have any concerns, or fears, about taking the exam? If so, how did you address or overcome them?

Taking an exam in what you actually do is truly terrifying because if you do not succeed are you somehow not worth your salt suddenly? I decided to test this literally.

What study tools did you find most useful (study group, CDFA-yoU materials, flash cards, other?)

I am a lone wolf with a PDF. You sent me the nicest coach. We took calls. What studying came down to was doing the reading, talking to myself, flash cards, and even tears.

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

I hold many certifications, all of which are tests that I took but this was my most feared. It is digestible material written super well and well considered. The study material was surprisingly CURRENT, which was fabulous.

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

Project Management almost did me in. The other areas are all applied in my daily role, and I related most to firm and staff management. It was good to know what I do not know and where I can improve next.

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

Yes. Carrie Hubbard is a doll, smart, willing and competent. She helped me understand that the test is actually very important, and study would be needed. She told me what she got from the experience, and it helped me understand immensely that I was not alone in the process.

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

This certificate indicates that I am as committed to the success of this firm as any architect in a chair adjacent. I am willing to understand how the animal functions and apply my knowledge where necessary to my team's advantage.

Was your employer supportive of your CDFA goals and accomplishment? If so, please share how they demonstrated that support.

Yes, Gensler covers the cost of exams, and the test I was able to take on location proctored by another SDA member. They feel the more competent I am at what I do, the more I will enjoy being employed here. I agree with this sentiment.

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

Remember that your contribution matters to the whole. Your teams would be lucky to have you. This is a step in dedication not a destination. And you make wonderful friends in the process all dedicated to your wins.

How did you, and your firm, celebrate your achievement? 

It will be announced at the Global Promotions meeting. This happens in Spring based on my test cut off.

What has obtaining your CDFA meant to you?

Working hard for something and then having it work out is great but loving your job is irreplaceable. Having access to the room and table you most desire is the goal. This makes it easy to love what we do.

Feeling inspired by our CDFA Spotlight features? If you're ready to elevate your career and join the ranks of Certified Design Firm Administrators, now is the perfect time to take the next step. The CDFA designation not only strengthens your skills but also positions you as a leader in our industry. Visit our certification page to learn more about the application process and how you can start your journey today!

As we continue our CDFA Spotlight series, we’ve been thrilled by the positive feedback and engagement from our community. Each story has highlighted the dedication and hard work it takes to achieve the Certified Design Firm Administrator designation. We’re excited to keep bringing you more of these inspiring journeys. This week, we’re featuring Sarah Hoyle, CDFA, Executive Assistant with Perkins & Will in Dallas, TX. Her insights on the personal satisfaction of passing her exam are sure to inspire!

What motivated you to earn your CDFA certification?

It was a personal goal.

Did you have any concerns, or fears, about taking the exam? If so, how did you address or overcome them?

I have always had test anxiety and that was my only concern about taking the exam.

What study tools did you find most useful (study group, CDFA-yoU materials, flash cards, other?)

CDFA-yoU and Marathon Training material that is shared.

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

Learning about other areas of work that I do not normally do in my day to day was interesting.

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

Finance.

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

My chapter answered any questions I had.

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

It gives me personal gratification on my accomplishment.

How did you, and your firm, celebrate your achievement?

Announcement to the office when I passed, and it was included in our yearly office meeting.

What has obtaining your CDFA meant to you?

I was very proud of myself, and it gave me a boost to continue learning outside of my current position at work.

Feeling inspired by our CDFA Spotlight features? If you're ready to elevate your career and join the ranks of Certified Design Firm Administrators, now is the perfect time to take the next step. The CDFA designation not only strengthens your skills but also positions you as a leader in our industry. Visit our certification page to learn more about the application process and how you can start your journey today!