The wait is finally over! SDA has announced the location of EDSymposium24.

During our First Friday Coffee in October, members were treated to a 'reveal' video created by the SDA National MarCom team. Click here to view the short video.

Mark your calendars now to join us - June 11-13, 2024. 

Watch your email for more information in the coming weeks.

SDA is delighted to announce Karen Roman, FSDA, LEED AP, as the distinguished recipient of the highly acclaimed Lifetime Achievement Award for 2023. This esteemed accolade honors Karen's exceptional contributions to the A|E and her remarkable dedication to SDA. Her unwavering commitment to excellence and her extensive involvement in both local and national capacities have left an indelible mark on the profession.

Karen Roman has been an valuable member of SDA for over three decades, contributing her expertise and leadership at every level of the organization. Her unwavering commitment is evident through her service in various Chapter Board positions, active participation in numerous National committees, and her remarkable accomplishment of serving as SDA National President three times! Karen's profound impact on SDA and our industry at large is truly exceptional.

In recognition of her outstanding achievements, Karen was honored as a member of the inaugural Class of Fellows in 2018, solidifying her status as a true leader in the profession. "Her unparalleled business and design firm management skills have been instrumental in the success of her firm, enabling it to thrive effortlessly under her guidance," said Tony Casey, AIA, Vice President of Intergroup Architects. "Karen's lifetime of achievement and service to the profession is overwhelming."

Beyond her exceptional contributions to SDA, Karen Roman's impact on the A|E industry is far-reaching. Her tireless dedication to the advancement of business operations in architecture and the administrative profession is evident through her countless hours of volunteering in various capacities. Harry M. Falconer, Jr., FAIA, Vice President, Experience + Education, NCARB, acknowledges Karen's significant influence, stating, "Karen has truly led the profession through her many roles. Her fortitude continues to inspire me and those around her toward success, both personally and professionally."

The distinguished jury was deeply impressed by Karen's extensive experience and her significant contributions, both locally and nationally. "Her role as an ambassador for SDA, her selflessness in dedicating her time, and her unwavering commitment to fulfilling any task or assignment have set her apart as an exemplary leader. Karen's calm and level-headed persona, coupled with her unflappable approach to challenges, make her an invaluable mentor and friend to all who have had the privilege of working alongside her."

We proudly congratulate Karen Roman, FSDA, on this well-deserved recognition as our 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award winner. Her exceptional achievements and profound impact on our industry make her an inspiration to all and a true champion of the profession.

SDA is pleased to announce the recipients of our 2023 STAR award that were presented during our awards presentation on June 15, 2022, in Tampa, FL.

Congratulations to our 2023 Star Award Recipients: 

• Atlanta Chapter – Arlene Mohammed, CDFA
• Dallas Chapter – Sarah Hoyle, CDFA
• Denver Chapter -Ashley Forslund
• Mid-Atlantic Chapter – Leslie Peacock
• Minneapolis/St. Paul Chapter –Ellie Staricka
• New York Chapter – Pat Leyden, CDFA
• Orange County Chapter -Marsha Bastian
• San Antonio Chapter – Joan Silva, CDFA
• Seattle Chapter – Brittany Jamison, CDFA
• Member-at-Large – Theresa Papasin, Toronto

The Star Award recognizes the service and dedication of an individual to their Chapter and to the SDA. It is given for significant contributions to the membership of a Chapter or to the entire Society through participation in and support of its meetings and publications, fundraising, recruitment, or other significant activities. 

Congratulations to our 2023 GEM Award Recipients: 

• Laura Heck, CDT – Outgoing Chair, Awards Committee
• Mary Jacobs, CDFA – Outgoing Chair, MarCom Committee, Design of EDC22 and EDS23 graphics, EDS23 pin and 2023-24 National President Logo
• Elizabeth Harris, FSDA - National MarCom Committee, Testing of new technologies, furthering our social media reach on all digital platforms
• Deborah Gill, FSDA - Development & Presentation of Project Management Administration Workshop for EDS23
• Karen Roman, FSDA – Development of Project Administration Workshop for EDS23
• Drucilla Brookshire, CDFA – Development of Project Administration Workshop for EDS23
• Marie Tomala, CDFA – Outgoing National Past President
  

The GEM Award recognizes the service of members who serve as "Guiding Examples to our Members" while making significant contributions to SDA.

Congratulations to Amy J. Nanni, CDFA, from Construct Architecture Studio, New York, NY on becoming a Fellow for our 2023 Class. Here are a few of Amy’s many accomplishments:

• Amy has been the epitome of an SDA member since 2004; serving as President of the NY Chapter and serving two terms on ExCom as National Vice President and serving on numerous local and national committees.
• She has been editor and contributor for the NY Chapter SkyLines Newsletter and frequent contributor to the SDA Today, National blogs, etc., and her work on the NY and National website cannot be overstated – both have been instrumental in facilitating each member’s access to valuable resources.
• The impact of Amy’s work with National Canstruction and the late Cheri Mellilo to create graphics packages, forms, templates, and official manuals reached to every Canstruction event in the world.  Her dedication to the local NY event further demonstrates her service to the A/E industry as a whole. 

We loved what Amy said about SDA “I stumbled into the AEC world in 1987 and I stumbled upon the SDA in 2004.  That’s when I stopped stumbling, and I started my professional growth…” 

Amy has been one of those shining examples of gracious guidance for so many other members of SDA and the A/E/C community.  We appreciate her many contributions! 

Amy will be honored at the EDSymposium23 Awards Banquet in Tampa, FL  in June 2023.

The Fellows designation encourages SDA members to participate in continuing future activities that will lead to further self-development and the development of other SDA members and the profession.

To learn more about the SDA Fellows Program, click here.

Have you been thinking about earning your Certified Design Firm Administrator (CDFA) credential? Is getting certified one of your 2017 goals? Now is the perfect time!

Applications are now being accepted for the fall session of CDFA-yoU. Our CDFA-yoU program is designed to make studying easier so you can achieve your goal of earning the CDFA credential. Our live Q&A session with Certified SDA members is the perfect place to get your questions answered as you prepare to take your exam. There is no cost to participate in CDFA-yoU! It is included as part of the application and exam fee.

The CDFA certification is well known and respected within the A/E/C industry. By earning your CDFA, you will demonstrate expertise in five key areas of administration: finance, marketing, human resources, office administration/information technology, and project administration and management.

Eligibility requirements for the CDFA certification include: design firm experience, a written exam, adherence to a code of ethics, and formal education. Successful accomplishment of these requirements will result in earning the Certified Design Firm Administrator (CDFA) credential.

Learn more and begin your application process today to take advantage of this complimentary study/preparation opportunity.