From Chapter Champion to Industry Influencer: Jacqueline Coté Earns SDA Denver’s Star Award

When a leader combines operational precision with a passion for community, the results can reshape both a firm’s culture and a professional network. Since joining the SDA in January 2021, Jacqueline Coté has elevated the Denver Chapter through her unwavering dedication and thoughtful leadership. Now, her exceptional service has been honored nationally: Jacqueline, Associate Principal and Office Manager at Architectural Workshop, is a 2025 recipient of the prestigious SDA Star Award.

This award not only celebrates Jacqueline’s contributions to the SDA but also recognizes how her energy and commitment have strengthened the administrative core of AEC practices in her region and beyond.

Honoring Excellence in Service and Leadership

The Star Award recognizes individuals who exemplify outstanding service to their local chapter and to the Society as a whole. It is one of SDA’s highest honors, celebrating members who go above and beyond in areas such as event planning, publications, recruitment, and organizational leadership.

In Jacqueline’s case, her creative and consistent outreach as Membership Chair—ranging from recruitment campaigns to personal touches like birthday recognition—has not only grown the Denver Chapter but also deepened its sense of connection. Her efforts reflect the very spirit of the Star Award: a commitment to community, collaboration, and continual growth.

A Career Built on Operational Excellence

Jacqueline’s path in the AEC industry is rooted in a rare combination of business acumen and team-focused leadership. At Architectural Workshop, she oversees the operational backbone of the firm, bringing structure and efficiency to the creative process. Her background in economics and sociology, earned at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, informs her holistic understanding of organizational behavior—skills she deploys daily to support a thriving, collaborative studio environment.

Since joining SDA, Jacqueline has continued to invest in her professional development. She is a Certified Design Firm Administrator (CDFA) and part of the inaugural class to earn the Certificate in Design Firm Operations (CDFO), both of which reflect her deep expertise in the AEC business landscape.

Elevating the Industry—One Connection at a Time

Beyond the walls of her firm, Jacqueline’s impact resonates across the AEC industry. Through SDA, she fosters meaningful connections among peers, championing the value of professional development and shared knowledge. Her enthusiasm at the chapter level has inspired other members to get involved, demonstrating how strong leadership at the grassroots level can ripple across an entire organization.

As SDA continues to champion the business professionals who keep AEC firms running smoothly, Jacqueline’s journey reminds us of the power of service-minded leadership. Her story is proof that operational excellence and people-first values are not mutually exclusive—they are, in fact, the formula for long-term impact.

Celebrating a Star in Our Ranks

Jacqueline Coté’s recognition with the Star Award shines a light on the kind of leadership that sustains and elevates SDA. Her efforts have strengthened the Denver Chapter, enriched the national community, and demonstrated the tangible value of SDA membership.

SDA is proud to count Jacqueline among its most dedicated members, and we look forward to seeing how her leadership continues to inspire and influence others across the AEC industry.