When a leader’s commitment transcends titles and timelines, their impact resonates across an entire professional community. Diane Klug, CDFO, has exemplified this type of leadership for more than two decades—championing SDA’s mission and empowering administrative professionals across the AEC industry. In recognition of her sustained service and forward-thinking contributions, Diane has been honored with the SDA Star Award, one of the Society’s most prestigious accolades.

From launching innovative programs to guiding strategic conversations, Diane’s influence continues to shape the future of SDA—and strengthen its value for members in firms of all sizes.

Honoring a Leader Who Goes the Extra Mile

The SDA Star Award is presented to members who demonstrate extraordinary service and dedication to both their local chapter and the national organization. It recognizes those who contribute meaningfully through leadership, participation, and ongoing support of SDA’s mission.

Diane’s leadership journey has extended far beyond the chapter level. When the St. Louis Chapter dissolved, she continued her SDA service as a Member-at-Large, maintaining strong ties with the organization while advocating for members from large and complex firms. Over the past year, she has been instrumental in helping SDA better understand and respond to the evolving needs of large firm partners—ensuring SDA remains inclusive, adaptive, and forward-looking.

A Career Anchored in Strategy and Advocacy

Diane Klug serves as National Director of Administration at WSP, one of the world’s leading professional services firms, with 73,000 employees across the globe. Balancing the demands of a high-level national role, Diane has never stepped back from her commitment to SDA. Her influence is felt across programs and platforms, bringing the voice of large-firm administrators into critical conversations about SDA’s future.

In 2023, Diane was honored with WSP USA’s Business Support “Extra Mile” Award, recognizing her exceptional commitment to operational excellence. That same spirit of service shines through in her contributions to SDA—from her leadership role in the inaugural SparkSDA program to her expert panel participation at EDSymposium, where she addressed business contingency planning with insight and clarity.

Her SparkSDA presentation on integrating Rocketbook into administrative workflows was so popular, it returned by demand for a deeper dive—proof of her ability to deliver immediately useful, future-focused content that resonates with peers across the country.

Advancing the SDA Community Through Shared Expertise

What sets Diane apart is not just her expertise, but her willingness to share it. Whether mentoring peers, speaking at national events, or leveraging her network to create new opportunities, Diane exemplifies SDA’s values of community, collaboration, and continuous learning. Her insights have helped SDA adapt its programming and outreach to better meet the needs of administrators at every level of firm size and complexity.

Her influence on strategic initiatives continues to pave the way for new members to find their place and purpose within the organization.

Celebrating an SDA Trailblazer

Diane Klug’s Star Award is a celebration of sustained impact, not just exceptional moments. Her dedication, leadership, and generosity of spirit have made SDA stronger and more future-ready. As the Society grows and evolves, members like Diane remind us what long-term service and vision can accomplish.

We are proud to celebrate Diane’s achievements and thankful for the lasting mark she continues to make on the SDA community.

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 Connor McCulloh, Operations Coordinator, with Environ Architecture, in Long Beach, 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 have a comprehensive certification that was broad enough to cover certain aspects of the studio that I am responsible for, and gain a deeper understanding of the inner workings of an architectural design firm.

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

I was just mostly afraid of struggling to retain what I was studying- depending on what was going on at work and in my life, it was harder or easier to remember what I needed to, depending on what was going on.

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

What helped me the most was using the written material and creating my own study guides from that. Involves a lot of highlighting, lots of sticky notes, and lots of time.

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

While preparing for the exam, it was interesting to find out how much the exam material would be in direct reference to something I was involved in at work, and vice versa. It was enlightening to be able to fill those gaps where I had questions about specific firm procedures.

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

What I struggled with the most is reflective of where I am at right now in the studio- During the exam I had the most difficulty with the Project Management section. I have the most immersion into the other sections because of my role, and Project Management is the newest to me. The other sections are reflective of things that I have more experience in.

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

Aimee Mandala (also CDFA) who is our COO at Environ, over time has walked me through all of the compliance processes and standards that we engage in as administrators and that knowledge has been solidified thanks to her guidance. She has been instrumental to my personal development and growth as a professional and is also who introduced me to the SDA, sharing the certification process with me. So so grateful for her continuing support and mentorship over the years!

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

So far, the CDFA designation is helping shape the professional that I am becoming, and encompasses the various roles and hats I get to wear.

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

Environ supported me in going to the EDSymposium in South Dakota several Junes ago, and continued to support me in studying and immersing myself in the organizational and administrative aspects of my role. They were very congratulatory and happy to hear that I passed my exam.

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

For those considering pursuing a CDFA, I would recommend spending time creating a study guide and study schedule that works for you and your routine. I also recommend getting enough sleep to make it easier to retain information.

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

I was congratulated and received a card and some nice flowers!

What has obtaining your CDFA meant to you?

Having the CDFA designation is for me a tribute to the dedication I have to learn as much as possible about the AEC industry, and the ability to be more involved in the processes and methods employed by the studio.

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 Molly Stewart,  Vice President/Treasurer with Vansant & Gusler, Inc., in Norfolk, VA. Her insights on the personal satisfaction of passing her exam are sure to inspire!

What motivated you to earn your CDFA certification?

I feel like I have worked hard to work my way up in my firm and that I have a lot to offer and contribute. I felt like the certification helped show my dedication to this industry.

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

I was nervous that my firm may be doing some things so far off from best practices that I would struggle with the material, but really, the material reinforced what I knew or help highlight areas for improvement. I was also worried about allocating the appropriate time to prepare for the test. I found once I locked in on a test date, I was able to set a schedule and work towards that date.

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

I had several techniques. First, I created my own set of notes. I also highlighted the study materials and flagged areas to go back and revisit. I set a schedule for study time, for 2 mornings a week for about 2 hours each. I focused on one section at a time. To reinforce what I learned, I used notecards for the harder areas and did several practice tests.

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

The project management section was good for me, as I am always getting project types and the project life cycle mixed up. I enjoyed that section.

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

Finance, even though that is what I do. I use excel spreadsheets for formulas and have for so long that I forgot a bunch of formulas. I was nervous about that part.

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

I did not have a mentor.

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

My CDFA helps show my commitment to this industry.

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

I announced I was sitting for my CDFA and my employer supported my study schedule which involved a few hours a week.

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

Set a schedule, book the exam. You got this!

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!