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Posted By Stephanie Kirschner, FSDA,
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
Updated: Tuesday, June 2, 2026
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Honoring Elizabeth Harris, FSDA, CDFO
2026 Lifetime Achievement Award Winner
More than two decades of leadership, innovation, mentorship, and service to SDA and the profession of design administration.
There are people in every organization who show up year after year — not because someone asked them to, and not because it advances their career — but because they genuinely believe in the mission and want to help make the organization stronger.
For more than two decades, Elizabeth “Liz” Harris has been one of those people for SDA.
At the 2026 SDA Annual Conference, Liz was honored with SDA's Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her sustained leadership, service, innovation, and lasting impact on both SDA and the profession of design administration.
But what truly distinguishes Liz’s contributions is not simply the number of roles she has held — it is the impact she has had within them.
“SDA gave me an identity and a tribe. It’s a place where it is recognized that we are not just support — we are structural.”
— Elizabeth Harris, FSDA, CDFO
Over the years, Liz has helped shape and strengthen SDA in ways that continue to influence the organization today. She participated in the 2014 Certification Revamp Task Force, helping transition SDA’s certification program from an experience-based model to a knowledge-based framework. She also introduced the concept for the CDFA-yoU study group, creating a supportive and scalable path for certification candidates that helped strengthen engagement and long-term success.
Her influence continued through SDA’s rebranding efforts, website initiatives, and the national Marketing & Communications Committee. As MarCom Co-Chair, Liz championed the use of tools and systems that improved communication planning, scheduling, and analytics while helping the committee adopt a more structured and strategic workflow.
In recent years, Liz has also worked closely with SDA Headquarters to improve organizational processes, streamline workflows, and implement thoughtful automation strategies designed to support a volunteer-driven organization. Her focus on building sustainable systems and documenting processes has helped create a stronger operational foundation for SDA’s future.
The jury noted that Liz’s record is defined not simply by participation, but by transformation.
In 2020, Liz was elevated to SDA’s College of Fellows — one of the organization’s highest honors — recognizing her exceptional contributions to SDA and excellence in design firm management. She later served as Chair of the Fellows Committee and continues to support mentorship and leadership development initiatives within the organization. She also holds SDA’s highest certification designation, the Certificate in Design Firm Operations (CDFO), reflecting her ongoing commitment to professional growth and advancing the profession.
Beyond SDA, Liz continues to share her expertise through presentations, podcasts, articles, and her Substack, The 2040 Studio, where she explores AI, process optimization, operational efficiency, and designing sustainable systems for long-term success. Through her thought leadership, she frequently highlights SDA and helps expand awareness of the organization within the broader A/E/C community.
In her acceptance remarks, Liz reflected on the role SDA has played throughout her career — not simply as a professional organization, but as a community that helped shape her identity, build lasting relationships, and elevate the role of design administrators within the industry.
What makes Liz especially deserving of this recognition is not only her legacy of service, but the fact that she continues to lean into the future of the profession. She remains deeply engaged in conversations about innovation, leadership, and the evolving role of design administration — while continuing to mentor, encourage, and support those coming up behind her.
As she shared during her remarks, “I see nothing but a bright future ahead for administrators.”
Her contributions have strengthened systems, supported members, elevated programs, and helped SDA evolve in meaningful and lasting ways.
Liz Harris’s legacy is remarkable — and we have every reason to believe it is far from finished.
Congratulations to Elizabeth Harris, FSDA, CDFO, recipient of the 2026 SDA Lifetime Achievement Award.
Tags:
AEC Leadership
CDFO
Lifetime Achievement Award
SDA Fellow
SDA National
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Posted By SDA National,
Monday, May 4, 2026
Updated: Monday, May 4, 2026
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How well do you know the difference between compliment and complement (or variations thereof)? Test yourself by filling in the blanks (answers are at end of this post; no peeking ahead of time!).
- I’m trying to __________ you on your choice of memes for that marketing blitz, but others may feel differently about that meme.
- The fancy restaurant staff on your cruise ship will offer food and wine that __________ each other.
- “You get a car! You get a car! You get a car!” __________ of Oprah Winfrey.
- The __________ upgrade on your cruise ship stateroom is __________ of the cruise line as you are a valued cruiser.
- If you are __________ me about my singing skills, I’m going to be forever in your debt; but if you don’t __________ me, you’ll get social media shamed bigtime, __________ of me and my close friends.
Click Here for Answer Key. Let us know in the comments how you did!
Tags:
AEC Learning
SDA National
Word Nerd
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Posted By Stephanie Kirschner, FSDA,
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Updated: Tuesday, April 28, 2026
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As we conclude our Administrative Professionals Month celebration, SDA is reflecting on the professionals who keep A/E/C firms running—those who bring clarity, connection, and consistency to their organizations every day.
Throughout the month, we’ve shared stories of growth, connection, and leadership across our community.
This week, we’re sharing a perspective on how meaningful connections can support your growth, strengthen your confidence, and remind you that you’re not navigating this work alone by Susan Lankey, CDFA, Business Manager for DJG, Inc., in Williamsburg, VA.
One of the most powerful parts of being involved in SDA is the sense of connection that comes with it. Early in my involvement with SDA, I quickly realized that I had found more than just a professional organization—I had found a community of people who genuinely understand the challenges and opportunities that come with working in the A/E/C industry.
Attending SDA conferences has been one of the most impactful parts of my journey. Being able to connect in person with professionals from firms across the United States and Canada has opened the door to conversations that simply wouldn’t happen otherwise. Whether it’s discussing operational challenges, sharing best practices, or brainstorming solutions to issues within our firms, these connections have created a network of peers I can reach out to anytime. It’s incredibly reassuring to know that when a challenge arises, there is a group of knowledgeable professionals willing to share their experience and perspective.
Beyond the conferences, serving within SDA has also been a meaningful part of my professional growth. My time serving on our local chapter board, participating on national committees, and working alongside fellow leaders on EXCOM really pushed me to grow in ways I never expected. Each opportunity has helped me build confidence, strengthen my leadership skills, and develop a broader understanding of the industry.
What makes SDA so special is that these experiences don’t just stay within the organization—they carry back into our daily work. The lessons learned, the ideas shared, and the encouragement from peers all contribute to how we grow within our firms and how we support our teams.
For me, SDA has been a reminder that professional growth doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens through shared experiences, open conversations, and the willingness to learn from one another. The connections I’ve built through SDA continue to support and inspire me, and they are a big part of why I’m able to keep moving forward in my career.
Throughout this month, we’ve seen how growth, connection, and leadership come to life across our community—each one a reminder that wherever you are, SDA helps you go further.
If Susan’s story resonates with you, we invite you to continue the conversation:
Wherever you are in your career, SDA helps you go further—and sometimes the right connection makes all the difference.
Explore, connect, and see how SDA can support your success.
Tags:
Administrative Professionals Month
AEC Industry
Community Networking
Leadership Development
Peer Support
Professional Development
SDA National
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Posted By SDA National,
Thursday, April 23, 2026
Updated: Thursday, April 23, 2026
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The Problem: Being Heard But Not Heeded
At a recent gathering of A|E accounting personnel, they were heard voicing the issues that often surprised management at year-end. More importantly, they weren’t taking action on the facts being delivered to them. For example, why didn’t they stop working with the client who is not profitable and doesn’t pay on time? Why don’t they realize that man cannot live on bread alone, architects can’t live just on K-12 schools or multi-family housing, and engineers can’t just chase municipal water projects?
My observation from my years as a consultant, hearing this complaint from many, many clients, and as a Controller in industry, listening to my staff complain, was that they had not built up their credibility within leadership enough. They had not presented solutions along with the facts, analysis, and trends.
The Hidden Challenge: Overlooking Your Secret Strengths
This credibility gap is often compounded by a deeper issue that operations professionals face. As Harry McCracken, global technology editor at Fast Company, explains in his article “Why you’re overlooking your secret career strengths (and how to start recognizing them):“ “When a talent comes naturally, without deliberate effort, we often don’t recognize it as a strength.”
He uses Katherine, a talented up-and-coming leader at a high-growth technology company, as his example. Still, it could be anyone in operations in the A&E industry who recognizes their value and strengths but considers themselves unheard.
“Like many leaders, Katherine was aware of the skills that were closely tied to her job description, but didn’t have the full picture of the value she was bringing to the organization.”
“When a talent comes naturally, without deliberate effort, we often don’t recognize it as a strength. Skills like critical thinking, problem solving, or strategic insight can feel so effortless that we don’t notice them in ourselves. Or sometimes, we assume others are equally adept at the same skills, and dismiss their value.”
This scenario is what I see happen time and time again. We are operations people; we just get it, but because we do, we often forget that the technical guys don’t have the same skill set. Our biggest challenge is to have an impact. We must have credibility and deliver the message in terms that resonate with them. They are not adept at the same skills. Why do MBA candidates spend so much time creating PowerPoint decks? They know they must tell a story and communicate their advice on the client’s terms.
The Foundation: Building Credibility
As John Maxwell says in The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, you must first become self-aware. Harry McCracken further explains, “Uncovering the true essence of your unique contribution can be an illuminating process that strengthens your personal brand and boosts your leadership effectiveness.”
How do you build credibility in our world?
You know your stuff. If a junior architect complains that the time system isn’t correct, and they didn’t spend all that time on the project, can you literally trace the project report back to their timesheet? If someone asks how the project multiplier is calculated, can you quote the formula verbatim? If someone asks why client or project diversity is important—you know why and you’ve done the research—can you communicate it?
You study, and you obtain an industry- and position-specific credential. Suppose you missed the opportunity to obtain the education required for an MBA or the experience needed for a CPA or CMA. In that case, several credentials are valuable in our industry: CDFO, CDT, LEED AP, CPSM, SHRM-CP, and the new CDFO-FM. These are generally a combination of education, experience, and examination. They take time, but they’re worth it. You’re worth it.
You join, are active in, and take on a leadership role of an A|E industry organization—and let management know. SDA comes to mind—obviously—but also make sure you’re in consideration for your local Chamber of Commerce’s leadership training or ACEC’s Leadership series, to name two. ACEC offers associate memberships, too.
Make sure you don’t overlook your secret career strengths. Recognize and articulate the natural talents that you might take for granted but that add tremendous value to your organization.
Learn a new vocabulary. So rather than:
- “Here are the Ajera Reports.” → “Here is the financial data and analysis I’ve prepared so we can review project performance.”
- “Here’s the benefits package.” → “Here is the newly designed benefits structure I’ve put together for us to discuss.”
- “Here’s the salary plan.” → “Here is the research and incentive compensation plan I’ve structured for us to evaluate.”
Liz Harris, FSDA, at Kevin Harris Architects, explains it like this: “The work is identical—but now the expertise behind it is visible. And that matters because when administrators name their analysis rather than the paperwork, others start to see the role differently. And just as importantly, so do they.”
The Payoff: What Becomes Possible
Once you are aware of your intrinsic strengths, hone your skills, build your credibility, and recognize the value that operations information can deliver to the overall health of the firm, here’s what becomes possible:
You will have greater influence on the outcomes. “Owning and leveraging your key strengths can increase your confidence, clarity, and credibility, making you more magnetic and influential.” Your operational leadership will keep the firm on a steady financial course.
You will increase your influence to fuel innovation. “Unearthing strengths like vision, creativity, or strategy can give you permission and embolden you to step outside your lane, challenge the status quo, speak up with new ideas, and pursue opportunities you may have previously dismissed.” Having the financial and operational facts—and their impact—at your fingertips, along with your improved credibility and self-assurance, will put you and operations front and center in firm management.
Reference: “Why you’re overlooking your secret career strengths (and how to start recognizing them,” Harry McCracken, global technology editor, Fast Company.
SDA does not endorse any products or services mentioned, and SDA does not assume responsibility for any circumstances arising out of the interpretation, application, use, or misuse of any information presented. SDA recommends that the reader consult the appropriate legal, financial, or human resource counsel before implementing the information contained herein.
Tags:
AEC Leadership
AEC Learning
AEC Mentoring
SDA National
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Posted By Jayne Niemann, CDFO,
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Updated: Tuesday, April 21, 2026
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As part of our Administrative Professionals Month celebration, SDA is highlighting the professionals who keep A/E/C firms running—those who bring clarity, connection, and consistency to their organizations every day.
This week, we’re sharing a perspective on how the skills you build through SDA extend beyond your role—shaping how you lead, support others, and make an impact in every area of your life by Jayne Niemann, CDFO, Business Manager with Acquilano, an Interior Architecture, women-owned firm in Denver, CO.
When I joined SDA, I expected to grow professionally. What I didn’t expect was how deeply it would shape the way I lead in my personal life.
SDA has given me tools, confidence, and a community that helps me show up as a leader in all the spaces I care about. Through the leadership programs and CDFO certification, I’ve learned how to communicate clearly, organize effectively, and support others with empathy and purpose. These skills don’t stay in the office—they follow me everywhere.
As president of my roller derby league, I use what I’ve learned through SDA to build team culture, resolve conflicts, and keep our league running smoothly. While studying for the leadership portion of the certification exam, I read The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. This book not only helped me put words to what I was already learning through SDA, but it helped me identify my leadership style. One law that really stuck with me is the Law of the Inner Circle—that a leader’s potential and success are directly determined by the quality and composition of their inner circle of people.
I took this knowledge to the rest of the league’s board, and we compared notes on our leadership styles. This helped us identify gaps in styles and recruit additional help to our inner circle. Roller derby is fast-paced and full of strong personalities, and leading in that space requires clarity, compassion, and adaptability. Having an inner circle that supports me in adapting to changes and member concerns has been invaluable, and I wouldn’t have learned this without SDA.
In my circle of friends, I use the knowledge I’ve gained through SDA to help them in their professional lives. From honing resumes and cover letters to interview prep to helping with difficult work conversations, it’s not just about being organized—it’s about helping people feel confident and capable. SDA has taught me how to lead with encouragement and structure, especially when coaching someone through career changes or advancements.
Being part of SDA reminds me that leadership isn’t confined to a job title. It’s about how you show up for others, how you solve problems, and how you create opportunities for growth—whether that’s in a boardroom, on the track, or around a dinner table.
SDA helps me lead with intention, in every part of my life. And that’s the kind of leadership that lasts.
If Jayne’s story resonates with you, take a moment to reflect on where your own leadership shows up—both in your work and in the spaces that matter most to you.
Wherever you are in your career, SDA helps you go further—and that impact reaches farther than you might expect.
Explore, connect, and see how SDA can support your success.
Tags:
Administrative Professionals Month
AEC Industry Leadership
Community Work-Life Integration
Leadership Development
Personal Leadership
Professional Development
SDA National
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