When it comes to dedication, reliability, and community spirit, SDA Orange County’s Marsha Bastian shines brightly. This year, her years of service and leadership earned her the SDA STAR Award, a national honor presented annually by each chapter of the Society for Design Administration to recognize outstanding members whose contributions exemplify SDA’s values of excellence, collaboration, and professional growth.

For more than five years, Marsha has served as Recording Secretary for SDA Orange County, maintaining detailed and accurate meeting minutes that keep the chapter’s operations running smoothly. Her precise documentation ensures that chapter leaders can reference decisions and discussions with confidence—an often unsung but essential role that reflects her professionalism and attention to detail. “Her notes have been a big help when needing to track what has been discussed or decided at previous business meetings,” shared a chapter colleague.

Beyond her secretarial duties, Marsha has strengthened SDA/OC’s programming by connecting the chapter with expert speakers from her insurance firm, Risk Strategies, helping organize multiple lunch seminars and webinars on topics vital to AEC business operations. Her willingness to share resources and expertise has enriched chapter education and engagement, providing valuable insight for members and their firms.

Marsha joined SDA in 2015, quickly becoming an active participant in nearly every chapter function—from board meetings and professional seminars to networking and social events. Her steady presence and enthusiasm have made her a cornerstone of the SDA/OC community. As one member noted, “She’s just not an attendee, she’s a participant,” a sentiment that captures the energy and initiative she brings to everything she does.

The STAR Award honors SDA members whose exceptional service advances both their chapter and the broader profession. Marsha’s recognition underscores the impact of her commitment to fostering professional excellence and connection within the AEC community. Her contributions demonstrate how consistent involvement, leadership, and generosity of knowledge strengthen the foundation of SDA as a whole.

SDA National congratulates Marsha Bastian on this well-deserved recognition. Her example reminds us that leadership takes many forms—and that attention to detail, collaboration, and community-minded service are at the heart of what makes the SDA thrive.

Every SDA member has a unique story - one that reflects their journey, growth, and connection to our vibrant community. In our new blog series, SDA & Me, we’re highlighting the voices of our members as they share what brought them to SDA, how their experience has evolved, and the moments that have made the biggest impact. Whether it’s professional development, lasting friendships, or unforgettable experiences, these testimonials showcase the value of being part of SDA. Today, we feature Stephanie Kirschner, FSDA, as she shares her SDA journey and what keeps her engaged in our community.

When did you join SDA and what initially motivated you to join?

I became a member of SDA in 1986. I was new to the AE industry, working for a very small landscape architecture firm at the time. I had attended a seminar on a Saturday presented by the Society of Architectural Administrators (SAA) Columbus Chapter called “The Architectural Secretary – A Training Seminar.” It was a full day of programming on how a project evolves, items specific to a design firm, dealing with various people (clients, consultants, product reps, vendors, etc.), and then a session of Personal Development/Career Professionalism. I was hooked and sad to learn there was not a chapter in my area. So, I worked with a few others from Cincinnati, and we decided to form a chapter, and I became one of the co-founders of the Cincinnati Chapter. I couldn’t be an officer since I didn’t work for an architectural firm, but that didn’t matter. I was just thrilled to have a network of peers that did the same thing I did and understood this crazy AE industry.

How has your experience with SDA changed over time?

I have seen many changes since becoming a member, including name changes (SAA to SDA – Society of Design Administration to then Society for Design Administration). We have grown from focusing on architectural firms to reaching engineering firms and others in the AEC space. I grew by serving as a Chapter officer in many roles, to serving on National Committees, then serving on the SDA National Executive Committee and ultimately serving as SDA National President in 2009. Each time I took on a new role, I learned  new career skills that helped me in my daily role which gave me the career growth I had been seeking. I went from being a receptionist in a 7-person landscape architectural firm, to becoming a Staff Accountant, Accounting Manager, Director of Administration and ultimately, the CFO and a partner in a 100-person multi-disciplined firm (Engineering/Architecture/Surveying/Landscape Architecture/Planning services). I left the industry in 2010 due to the economic recession, and found myself missing the AEC industry. In late 2012, the opportunity to become the SDA National Executive Director was offered to me, and I was thrilled to accept that position, one I continue to enjoy and learn from to this day. In 2020, I applied and was named a Fellow, joining the ranks of many respected SDA members. The journey to Fellow is not something that happens overnight, but every step I took to advance my career, and my SDA experience led me to that accomplishment. I encourage everyone to start today on their journey to accomplishing that as well.

What aspects of SDA have you enjoyed the most?

Like most people, the connections to SO many members across the country is invaluable. Not only for the knowledge, but for the genuine friendships that have developed over the years. I appreciate the information that is given to us specific to the AEC industry, something you can’t just Google.

What motivates you to stay engaged or involved with SDA?

There are so many opportunities to develop your professional career while being a member and volunteering through SDA. One of the things I realized is that I could take my career beyond my wildest imagination because I had a network of colleagues doing big things in the industry. These were role models for me as I gained more experience. When things were hard and I was thinking about leaving the AE industry, talking to others made me realize that it wasn’t just me, that some of the issues were happening in other firms and I wasn’t crazy or dumb. It gave me the courage and resolve to learn more and push for change in my firm because I could come armed with information.

Can you describe a memorable experience you’ve had as an SDA member?

There are plenty of memories when you’ve been a member as long as I have. I remember the first convention (now known as EDSymposium) I attended in Philadelphia. I attended the annual meeting where there was a proposed bylaw to change our name from Society of Design Administration to Society for Design Administration. It was my first opportunity to see Roberts Rules of Order in live, real-time action. I had been through many meetings and understood the basics, but these members where SERIOUS about the process. I came to understand how important governing documents are and why words matter, something I remind our chapters and board members about frequently. When we don’t know whether we can do something or not, the answer is always “what do your bylaws and/or standing rules say?”

There are plenty of fun experiences that have occurred during the many SDA conferences I have attended over the years. From day trips to see a new area of the country, to long conversations over cocktails after a day of long educational programs, I always come away energized by SDA members and want to do more. I wish I could tell every firm owner how much our SDA members care and are concerned for their firms. If they did, every firm would have at least one SDA member as a staff member.

Want to share your SDA story? Each member’s journey is unique, and we’d love to hear yours! If SDA has made an impact on your career and connections, reach out to us (admin@sdanational.org) to be featured in a future SDA & Me spotlight. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from our amazing members!

Every SDA member has a unique story - one that reflects their journey, growth, and connection to our vibrant community. In our new blog series, SDA & Me, we’re highlighting the voices of our members as they share what brought them to SDA, how their experience has evolved, and the moments that have made the biggest impact. Whether it’s professional development, lasting friendships, or unforgettable experiences, these testimonials showcase the value of being part of SDA. Today, we feature Elizabeth Harris, FSDA,  as she shares her SDA journey and what keeps her engaged in our community.

Finding My Professional Identity

I joined SDA in 2005 after discovering it at the AIA Convention in New Orleans. At the time, I was searching for meaning in my professional life. Years earlier, I had walked away from the active practice of law—burned out and unhappy. Running my husband’s architecture firm aligned with my skills and gave me the flexibility I needed while raising our three daughters, but I struggled with my professional identity.

SDA changed that. It gave me a community, a title, and a place to grow. It gave me something meaningful to say when people asked, “So, what do you do?”

Not long after I joined, then-SDA President Deborah Gill drove from New Orleans to Baton Rouge just to take me to lunch. Her pitch? Start an SDA Baton Rouge chapter and join the certification task force developing the Certified Design Firm Administrator (CDFA) exam. I did both. Helping establish SDA’s first knowledge-based certification and launching a local chapter became defining milestones in my professional journey.

The Path to Fellow

While the CDFA builds foundational skills, becoming an SDA Fellow requires five years as a CDFA, significant service to SDA, and a demonstrated impact on the profession. It’s not just about participation—it’s about legacy.

After becoming an SDA Fellow in 2020, I helped develop the Fellows Path2Success program. This experience deepened my perspective—how to create programs that resonate with members, how to measure what we do so we can improve, and how even our “whoops” moments are just stepping stones to excellence. Trust me, there are layers to this organization you can only uncover after you've been around the block a few times!

Productive Partnerships

An unexpected bonus of my SDA journey? The recurring Zoom workshop sessions with SDA Executive Director Stephanie Kirschner. These started when I was MarCom Co-Chair and quickly became a game-changer.

Before I knew the term body doubling or focus time, these sessions became my professional lifeline—a space where we get stuff done. We log on with a list, flesh out ideas, and turn concepts into reality in real time. By the time we sign off, we’ve transformed vague notions into concrete plans—and we both feel like we can conquer the world.

That kind of synergy isn’t just rare—it’s irreplaceable.

Discovering New Skills

SDA has also pushed me to explore new skills I never expected to develop.

Take video content marketing—something I wouldn’t have touched otherwise. As a volunteer on the MarCom team, I took on the challenge of editing raw SDA footage into testimonials. My daughter suggested trying TikTok as a free editing tool. The office Gen Zs encouraged me. I used my architect husband as my test subject, and in the process, I discovered CapCut.

Fast forward—those SDA videos were completed, and my husband's TikTok presence took off, with one video pulling in 3.2 million views. That single experiment led to home construction and renovation contracts totaling over $1 million in construction value. With our fee structure, the time and effort invested in learning video editing more than paid for itself.

Would that have happened without SDA pushing me into something new? Absolutely not.

Looking Forward

SDA isn’t just about past experiences—it’s about what’s next.

Right now, I’m preparing to convert my CDFA to CDFO, taking the exam onsite at EDS25 in Lexington on May 20, 2025. And I’m using the AI skills I’ve polished through SDA to generate multiple-choice questions as part of my study strategy.

That’s the thing about SDA—it doesn’t just provide knowledge, it fosters innovation. It encourages members to explore new technologies, new skills, and new ways of thinking.

My journey with SDA isn’t just about professional growth—it’s about staying ahead of the curve.

Enduring Value

With AI and the internet at our fingertips, it’s easy to assume professional organizations are less relevant. But professional associations like SDA are more critical than ever for aspiring professionals.

After twenty years in the field, I’ve learned one thing for certain: SDA isn’t just an association—it’s where careers take shape, identities are built, and tomorrow’s industry-changing ideas find their foundation.

The future of design firm management won’t be built by AI or internet searches. It will be built by people—connected, engaged, and pushing each other forward.

That’s why SDA still matters.

 And that’s why I’m still here.

Want to share your SDA story? Each member’s journey is unique, and we’d love to hear yours! If SDA has made an impact on your career and connections, reach out to us (admin@sdanational.org) to be featured in a future SDA & Me spotlight. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from our amazing members!