Viviana Garcia, CDFO, doesn’t just support her SDA chapter—she elevates it. With a background in architecture and a talent for administration, Viviana has become a cornerstone of the San Antonio Chapter since joining in 2021. Her leadership, technical savvy, and unwavering dedication have earned her the 2025 STAR Award, one of SDA’s most prestigious honors. As a four-year member and Path2Success alumna, Viviana exemplifies the kind of excellence and innovation that define SDA’s impact on the AEC industry.

Celebrating a STAR in the Digital Era

The STAR Award, presented annually by SDA National, recognizes members who demonstrate exceptional leadership, service, and commitment to advancing the organization. Viviana’s nomination highlights her multifaceted contributions—from coordinating chapter event registrations and contact lists using Constant Contact, to presenting at networking meetings and serving multiple terms on the Board.

Her ability to adapt to new tools and technologies has helped streamline chapter operations and enhance member engagement. Viviana’s attention to detail and proactive mindset ensure that every task is executed with precision and care, making her an indispensable part of the chapter’s success.

A Career Built on Design, Discipline, and Dedication

Viviana holds a B.S. in Architecture from Arizona State University and currently serves as Operations Manager at Michael G. Imber, Architects, PLLC—a role she’s held for the past five years. Her dual expertise in design and administration allows her to contribute meaningfully across a range of firm and chapter initiatives.

As a Certified Design Firm Administrator (CDFA), Viviana brings professionalism and rigor to every role she takes on. Her peers describe her as someone who consistently goes the extra mile—whether it’s stepping up to learn new systems, offering fresh ideas, or simply lending a helping hand with a smile. Her positive energy and collaborative spirit have made her a trusted leader and a role model within the SDA community.

Strengthening the AEC Community Through Innovation and Inclusion

Viviana’s work benefits not only her chapter but the broader AEC community. Her presentations at networking meetings foster knowledge-sharing and professional growth, while her behind-the-scenes coordination ensures smooth, inclusive events that bring members together. Her willingness to embrace new challenges and technologies reflects the evolving nature of business operations in AEC firms—and her leadership helps others navigate that change with confidence.

A Community Celebration of Excellence

Viviana Garcia’s STAR Award nomination is a celebration of excellence, adaptability, and heart. Her contributions to SDA’s San Antonio Chapter reflect the very best of our organization’s values: service, innovation, and community. SDA National proudly recognizes Viviana’s achievements and the inspiration she brings to our professional family.

Her journey reminds us that leadership isn’t just about titles—it’s about showing up, stepping forward, and lifting others along the way.

The New York SDA Chapter held a lunchtime Round Table in July titled "How We Work - Office Management”. This was the first in a series of round tables on the types of roles our members hold in their firms.  After the event, I put together some thoughts to summarize our discussions. It is obvious that all of us, whether in a large or small firm, face similar changes in office management! Here are a few of takeaways:

• Be firm! No process will ever be perfect. Let's face it. However, protocol is what sets the rules, keeps the order and avoids even more chaos.
• Be in the know! - Know your 'client'. What are their needs? Current and anticipated? What can you do to meet those needs? Do you have the right processes in place?
• Evaluate! Evaluate! Evaluate! - Continue to reevaluate your processes and protocol. Even the slightest change in the amount of staff, office space, IT configuration, can make a huge difference for the better or the worse. Always ask yourself: does what I have in place in now work? How can the process be improved?
• Teamwork! - You can't do this on your own. And this is a good thing. Involve your team as well as other departments like Office Services, Administration, IT, and especially management. You need their backing no matter what you want to put in place.

I'm sure there are many more, so please share in the comment box below some of your office management takeaways.  

Ellie Tsakonas, CDFA, A.M.ASCE, currently serves as President of the NY SDA Chapter,

and is the International Operations Manager / Administrative Supervisor at LANGAN, in NY.