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Posted By SDA Headquarters,
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Updated: Tuesday, February 17, 2026
SDA’s transition from Certified Design Firm Administrator (CDFA) to Certificate in Design Firm Operations (CDFO) reflects the evolving leadership role of today’s design firm professionals. To recognize the strength of the original CDFA, existing holders completed only the new Leadership section of the exam. Those who passed earned the CDFO—demonstrating both deep operational knowledge and the leadership skills shaping the future of the profession.
Sarah Wallace, FSDA, LEED Green Associate
Controller at Choate + Hertlein Architects
What inspired you to pursue the CDFO certification after having received your CDFA?
I have always been passionate about leadership and was thrilled when it was recognized as an official focus area. I believe leadership skill development is directly correlated to continued personal and professional growth. I was excited to register and hopefully encourage others to pursue their CDFO!
How has earning your CDFO credential impacted your confidence, skills, or credibility in your role?
Passing the CDFA helped me shore up knowledge in areas I was less confident in (i.e. HR) and resulted in a higher level of confidence in my skill set all around. When interviewing for my current position year ago, I know that this credential definitely provided credibility in my A/E/C management abilities.
Were there any doubts or hurdles you had to overcome in deciding to take the Leadership Section? How did you move past them?
Having participated in the 2024 Path2Success sessions, I felt very confident in registering for the exam. The only hurdle was making time each week to dedicate to reading the book, watching the videos, and studying.
What surprised you most about the preparation or exam process?
I continue to be surprised by how often I refer to the different Laws of Leadership and also find myself referencing the different types outside of the office as well.
Did you engage with the Path2Success program, CDFO Study Group, mentor, or other resources? If so, how did it help?
I did participate with the Path2Success program originally and watched the recorded sessions again during my study process as provided by the CDFO Study forum. I read all CDFO forum posts and challenged myself to actively post replies to many of them to help engage/inspire others in the group to do the same. I also was fortunate to have a fellow SDA member send me a test exam prepared by ChatGPT, which helped reinforce areas that needed more focus. I am a tactile learner, so created flashcards that also helped me retain all the information. Overall the combination of all available resources made it easy to prepare and reach out as needed throughout the study process.
What topic or section challenged you the most--and how did you tackle it?
The Law of the Inner Circle made me realize I didn't have one. So that has brought a unique level of awareness to my own personal development that I am working on addressing.
How have your employer or colleagues responded to your certification?
I let the principals know that I planned to take the CDFO exam during my annual review at the beginning of the year while discussing my short-term goals to hold myself accountable and ensure I did not delay. This organically led into the ongoing discussion I have been having regarding updating my title (which recognizes advancement for those of us in smaller firms without actual upward mobility paths). One of the Principals suggested this could be reviewed after receiving the new credential mid-year. I am looking forward to continuing the title discussion and believe that achieving my CDFO demonstrates my ongoing commitment and dedication to my career in A/E/C business operations and management, which will ultimately help me continue to advocate for myself now and in the future.
What would you say to someone in the A/E industry who is unsure if the CDFO credential is worth it?
There's no better time to invest in yourself and your future than now, don't hesitate, register today and you will see the difference it makes in your career!
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.
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