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 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!

 

 

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 Rachel Howard, CDFA, Office Manager with Clark Construction Group in Seattle, WA. Her insights on being prepared to take the test as many times as needed are sure to inspire!

 

What motivated you to earn your CDFA certification?

I was working on my SMART goals for my company's annual review process, and the certification was a natural fit. Plus, I wanted to be one of the cool kids!

 

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

 

I did not do so well on the practice tests, so I was nervous about failing. But I mentally prepared to take the exam as many times as it took. Luckily, I passed on the first try!

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

 

The practice questions from the Forum CDFA-yoU Study Group were so valuable! I scoured the entire thread for all of them, going back to 2014.

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

 

I learned so much! For example, project delivery methods were sort of vague to me before, and I understand them so well now.

 

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

 

I found the IT section the most difficult. Wish the study aids had more pictures

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

I did not reach out to any CDFAs for help, but always felt like I could have. There is a ton of support in this community.

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

I have already felt a difference in my personal development, as this was a goal that I set for myself in 2023. I feel accomplished, and I anticipate learning even more as I fulfill my required hours of continuing education each year.

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

Continuing education is encouraged and paid for by my company.

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

Take the practice tests!

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

I got a round of applause after I got the call that I had passed. And my work bestie took me out for lunch.

What has obtaining your CDFA meant to you?

The CDFA certification is tangible proof that I am passionate about my work and committed to doing the best job that I can.

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!