Welcome to our SDA Blog. We hope you enjoy the insights and information that will be shared here by our authors. Be sure to leave a comment and share with others.
Posted By Jennifer Greene, CDFO,
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Updated: Tuesday, January 6, 2026
The SDA Fellows Program celebrates the best of the best, people who have helped shape the Society for Design and raised the bar for the business of design. These are the mentors, innovators, and big-picture thinkers who do more than show up; they make things happen. Becoming an FSDA means you have done more than contribute to SDA. It means you have made a lasting impact on your firm, your peers, and the profession itself.
Becoming a Fellow is a milestone worth aiming for. The process starts with a self-nomination, which is really an opportunity to pause and reflect on how far you have come and where you want to grow next. A panel of SDA Fellows reviews each application, looking for individuals who have shown leadership, dedication, and a commitment to advancing practice management. Along the way, you may find yourself inspired to pursue certification, take on new challenges, and continue developing your skills and confidence as a leader.
And here is the best part: the journey does not stop once you are named a Fellow. This group is always up to something good, mentoring members, leading programs, and creating spaces for meaningful professional growth. Their annual Path2Success series has become a fan favorite. It is part book club, part leadership lab, where SDA members dig into big ideas together. This year’s pick, Radical Candor, sparked great conversation about feedback, communication, and authentic leadership that truly changes workplaces for the better.
At its heart, being an SDA Fellow is not about a title. It is about belonging to a circle of professionals who lift others while continuing to grow themselves. Fellows are the ones who see what is possible and help the rest of us get there. If that sounds like you, or the you you want to become, maybe it is time to start your own Path to Success.
Posted By Elizabeth Harris, FSDA,
Wednesday, October 11, 2023
Updated: Monday, October 2, 2023
SDA Fellows: Empowering Members, Improving the Design Community
SDA began the SDA Fellows initiative in 2018 to recognize the value of individual contributions to SDA, peer organizations, and the A/E/C community in the area of excellence in design firm management. The program also seeks to encourage individuals to further their studies, share their knowledge, and elevate practice management standards in the A/E/C industry overall.
Becoming an SDA Fellow is a rigorous process, involving comprehensive essays and securing three recommendation letters highlighting the applicant’s leadership, mentorship, and impact on the A/E/C industry. Once selected, an SDA Fellow, denoted as FSDA, commits to inspiring the next generation through tailored opportunities, promoting SDA's mission, advancing practice management, and mentoring young members.
Door to Fellows is Open All October Long
The application window for candidates wanting to apply to be named a Fellow opened on October 1 and will remain open until October 31. The application, guidelines, and additional information are available on the SDA website at https://www.sdanational.org/page/Fellows.
Today, there are nine SDA Fellows: Judy Beebe, Debra Ellis, Deborah Gill, Liz Harris, Sabrina Heard, Stephanie Kirschner, Betsy Nickless, Karen Roman, and Sarah Wallace. Though not an SDA committee, the Fellows elect a Chair each year and meet monthly to discuss how to focus their collective action for the betterment of the organization and its members.
Path2Success: Your Personal Journey to Growth
In 2021, the Fellows unveiled a groundbreaking leadership initiative, “Path2Success.” This program, inspired by contemporary business literature, aims to nurture career growth, enhance personal development, and mold future SDA and business leaders. The Path2Success curriculum, rooted in the transformative insights of James Clear’s "Atomic Habits," combines self-study, progress check-ins, and holistic leadership development.
Stay tuned for more details about the Path2Success program—it’s not just a learning opportunity; it’s a chance to grow and evolve, personally and professionally.
Your Invitation to Shape Your Future
Whether you're considering the Fellowship application or exploring the Path2Success program, take this opportunity to delve into something truly transformative. Download the Fellows application to assess your progress and identify areas for growth. The effort you invest in fulfilling the Fellowship requirements not only elevates your career but also provides clear, tangible goals to strive for. Seize this chance to shape a future filled with excellence, both professionally and personally. Let's embark on this journey together!
Posted By Elizabeth Harris, FSDA,
Wednesday, February 15, 2023
Updated: Tuesday, February 14, 2023
The Link between Random Acts of Kindness and Your Firm’s Bottom Line
The following is a post by Elizabeth Harris, JD, FSDA. Liz is a member of SDA National's Marketing and Communication Committee.
In 1982, Anne Herbert first suggested celebrating Random Acts of Kindness Day to combat negativity in the world. The idea quickly gained support, and in 2012, the United Nations recognized the day, which is now marked on February 17th each year.
Despite the recognition of this special day, negativity still dominates much of our world today. But what does this have to do with the A/E/C industry and business in general? While random acts of kindness may not seem like a business strategy, there is evidence to suggest that they can positively impact a firm's bottom line by attracting more customers and employees, while creating a more productive and efficient work environment.
On the employee side, a study by the University of Warwick found that employees who experience kindness and positivity in the workplace are 12% more productive than unhappy employees. Additionally, a positive work environment reduces employee turnover. A study by SHRM found that a positive work environment cuts the average turnover rate for company employees in half, from 16.6% for companies without a positive work environment to 13.3% for those with one.
Further, a Gallup study found that a positive work environment more than doubles the employee engagement rate. Employees who feel that their company has a positive work environment have a 31% engagement rate, compared to only 14% for those who do not. Additionally, a study by the Mental Health Foundation found that employees who experience kindness and positivity in the workplace are more likely to report good mental health.
On the customer side, there is a strong correlation between kindness, surprise, and delight and a business's bottom line. A Harvard Business Review study found that kindness to clients increases trust between clients and business, which is critical for building long-term relationships. Another study by the Harvard Business Review found that companies that consistently deliver unexpected and delightful experiences to clients have higher net reviews per customer compared to those who do not.
Companies known for treating their clients with kindness and respect are more likely to have a positive reputation, attracting new clients and business, according to Inc. A study by AdWeek found that customers are four times more likely to tell others about a positive surprise or delight experience they had with a brand compared to a "regular" customer experience.
In conclusion, random acts of kindness can help build trust, create strong relationships, contribute to a positive corporate culture, attract new clients, and boost the bottom line. With so many benefits, firms should consider incorporating intentional acts of kindness into their business practices beyond just a random act. So go out there and surprise and delight someone with kindness!
Posted By Elizabeth Harris, FSDA,
Friday, February 25, 2022
Updated: Tuesday, February 22, 2022
SDA Fellows
SDA began the SDA Fellows initiative in 2018 to recognize the value of individual contributions to SDA, peer organizations, and the A/E/C community in the area of excellence in design firm management. The program also seeks to encourage individuals to further their studies, share their knowledge, and elevate the standards of practice management in the A/E/C industry overall.
Potential fellows go through an extensive application process including short essay writing and securing three letters of recommendation that can attest to the applicants' leadership, mentorship, and impact on the A/E/C industry.
Once selected, an SDA Fellow attains the designation FSDA and agrees to inspire excellence in the next generation of SDA members through directed opportunities to promote the purposes of SDA, advance practice management, and mentor young members.
Today, there are nine SDA Fellows, led by Betsy Nickless, FSDA. Though not an SDA committee, the Fellows meet monthly to discuss how to focus their collective action for the betterment of the organization and its members. Other Fellows include Judy Beebe, Debra Ellis, Deborah Gill, Liz Harris, Sabrina Heard, Stephanie Kirschner, Karen Roman, and Sarah Wallace.
For the 2021-2022 term, the Fellows launched a pilot leadership program, “Path2Sucess”. The purpose of the Path2Success program is to facilitate career development, increase personal development, and foster future SDA and business leaders. The program is a combination of self-study and progress check-ins. Members of the program agree to read an assigned book (this term, How Women Rise by Sally Helgesen) and engage in dialogue on the forum. Additionally, there are video calls facilitated by an SDA fellow that offer live coaching opportunities.
The Fellows will evaluate the Path2Success pilot program in the next few months to determine its future for the 2022-2023 term. The Fellows also plan to sponsor a leadership presentation at this summer’s EDSymposium22 in conjunction with funding from the Past Presidents Council (PPC) Foundation.
Posted By Elizabeth Harris, FSDA,
Friday, December 3, 2021
Updated: Thursday, December 2, 2021
Paths to Fellow and Career Success with Debra Ellis
SDA Fellow
Becoming an SDA Fellow recognizes the value of a member’s contributions to SDA, peer organizations, and the A/E/C community in the area of excellence in design firm management. It is the highest recognition SDA offers, and the number of Fellows is growing each year.
One of the requirements for fellowship is significant Contributions to the Profession.
That may seem a high place to reach, but all begins with that first step. Keep in mind no two Fellows’ contributions are exact. All are as varied and as unique as the individual member. Your contribution will not look like mine. It shouldn’t. In hearing my story, I hope you get a sense of what is possible, and a desire to take a step to leave your own unique stamp on the profession.
Contributions to the Profession - My Path
When I joined SDA Denver, our chapter had a relationship with AIA Denver that provided our chapter with a place on their board of directors. As an active member and officer of our chapter, I was appointed as our designee. This was a great first step on my journey. Working alongside the other AIA Denver board members I was able to expand my network and develop relationships.
One of the connections I developed was with a colleague who later became president of the AIA Colorado board of directors. She understood the connection between our groups from working together and I was appointed to the board of AIA Colorado. It was the first time SDA had a representative on that board.
Serving on these Boards allowed me to work on the annual state conferences. I was able to influence the conference offerings to bring some focus to the importance of the back office to firm success.
Our goal was to educate the architects and administrators in design firm management. Both SDA members and architects were able to network and it increased the understanding that administrative staff is more than “necessary overhead” and is an integral part of every firm. I volunteered to present seminars at the state-wide event on the importance of SDA and how our expertise in design firm management allows architects to focus more on high value design work. I also was a part of a panel discussion on Easier, Faster, Better: Tips for Improved Document & Project Management panel with Newforma.
This volunteer work led to a former AIA Colorado President to reach out and inquire if I would be interested in serving as a public member on the State Board of Licensure for Architects, Professional Engineers and Professional Surveyors. I agreed, and in 2008 I was appointed by Governor Ritter of Colorado to join the licensing board as a Public Member.
My time on the licensing board enabled me to understand the nuances of navigating out-of-state licensure processes. Our firm does work in most States, and I’m the firm’s resource for how to get out-of-state licensure done.
Even before Fellowship was an option, I realized that making contributions to the profession has value. These experiences gave me more confidence in my own abilities and allowed me to network with amazing people.
Applying for Fellowship
Whether applying for Fellowship is around the corner, a long way off, or perhaps not even on your radar, do yourself a favor and take a look at the Fellows Program Guidelines and the Fellows Application. The Guidelines and Application are good maps that provide real guideposts along the way on your path to career success.
Going through the process is a great way to reflect on your personal growth and the things that you have accomplished. You can use it to identify areas you might want to focus on. You can set the goal of achieving Fellowship as a way to create some excitement and energy around your job.
One interesting effect of Fellowship was how it elevated my presence...within my own firm. Professionally, I have one partner in my firm that did not recognize all my prior accomplishments (National President, CDFA, being on the State Licensing Board) but when I became a Fellow, he was very impressed and began to see me in a new light. Architects understand what it means to be a Fellow.
Your Path
AIA Denver and AIA Colorado, regrettably, no longer have a spot reserved for an SDA member on their boards. As I said before, no two paths are alike. You can start by volunteering at your local AIA or Engineering society. If you are involved with accounting in your firm, see if there is a user group in your area for Deltek or Ajera. The last few years I have become involved with an HR group with HR professionals in other architecture and engineering firms in the Denver metro area. You just never know who you might meet that in turn knows someone else and you can become connected.
What first step can you take to improve your career development and put you on the path to becoming a Fellow? Share ideas in the comment box below.
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