Become a Member of
SDA San Antonio
Top 10 Reasons to Join SDA Now!
By becoming a member of SDA, you can demonstrate your dedication and expand your expertise with our
CDFA designation. Whether you are an office manager, receptionist, HR manager, marketer,
controller, or a little bit of everything, SDA is your gateway to more control and less chaos. Join
us
today to access resources for professional and personal growth!
❶ A Community for Emerging Leaders
Be part of a bigger A/E/C circle. Attain credibility by association. SDA offers the emerging leaders in your organization a place to belong. Just as AIA or ACEC gives individuals access to the greater A/E/C community, introducing them to community leaders, exposing them to big picture perspective, and fueling their passion for the industry and their professions so does SDA for the business professional in the firm —a vital way to retain the brightest talent for your firm.
❷ Professional Development Opportunities
Through involvement in SDA, you are encouraged to reach your greatest potential according to your skills and talents. SDA strives for excellence not only for the firm but for the individual. It promotes high standards with our certification program.
❸ Certified Design Firm Administrator (CDFA)
Strengthen your career by becoming certified and earning your CDFA. In an industry that values certifications, the CDFA program can help you build your personal brand as an expert in design firm administration and management, increasing your credibility with your employers, coworkers, and peers.
❹ Networking Opportunities
Make local, regional and national A/E/C business contacts through SDA to build your business. Members are encouraged to attend chapter meetings and programs and participate in webinars and meet members by volunteering for a chapter or national committee. You can learn more about your fellow members by participating in the SDA Community Groups, where you can share files, ask questions, and create a group blog using your own experience and knowledge.
❺ Programs and Conferences
Attend industry specific programs and conferences to explore how other A/E/C firms are tackling the business challenges you and your colleagues face every day. You will return to the office with innovative solutions and fresh ideas your firm can put to work immediately. Our annual signature EDSymposium offers over 25 hours of continuing education, keynote speakers, and workshops.
❻ Leadership Opportunities
SDA promotes leadership with opportunities to participate in governance and develop and practice these skills before you need them in your job. You can volunteer to serve on chapter committees, your chapter’s board of directors, event planning committees such as programs or EDSymposium, as well as SDA national tasks forces and standing committees.
❼ Career and Recruitment Resources
Plan your career, gain access to advancement tools, post and search for job opportunities through the SDA Career Center. Utilize the chapter network when relocating.
❽ Canstruction
SDA encourages its members to participate in philanthropic projects whether with our national charity, Canstruction, (www.canstruction.org) Kidstruction, or Art on a Napkin.
❾ Communications
Read up on trends, best practices and relevant issues impacting the management of design firms. SDA membership includes subscriptions to our monthly journal, SDA Today, our weekly e‐Update, and access to white papers.
❿ Information
Take research to another level with our Professional Emphasis Group (PEG) resources. This online community is designed exclusively for SDA members. This purpose is simple: to connect you online 24/7/365 with people, information, and opportunities to make running your design firm easier and smoother. Visit the PEG pages any time to access tips, tools and articles relevant to managing the design firm practice.
MEMBER TESTIMONIALS
What our members write about us
I have been a member of SDA for 4 years and have been in the design industry for 24 years. I was thrilled to find out about this organization – my only regret was that I didn’t find them sooner! The thing I love the most about SDA is the support given by all of the members. If you have a problem/question you can query the group and receive first hand advice from other members. This is an invaluable resource as we all are wearing many different “hats” these days - it’s hard to be an expert at everything! SDA has helped shape my professional career through the many educational opportunities. The EDConnect sessions are especially beneficial enabling us to improve our knowledge in a broad range of topics. The member benefit I love the most is the outreach to our community – using our time and talents to help others.
I have been a member of SDA for several years and it has been an amazing experience! Everyone made me feel right at home from the very first day. What I enjoy most about SDA is the opportunity to get to know and network with like minded individuals. I am constantly recommending SDA to my friends in the AEC industry as I know it can help them to be better at what they do.
SDA has been an excellent resource for me as a young professional. I have met & made connections with people that would have taken me years to organically cross paths with. I got involved rather quickly & I really enjoy working with other Members on my committee duties. My work with SDA makes me feel like I’m involved in something larger than just myself & that has boosted my self-confidence. I love this chapter.
Member Benefits
SDA’s mission is to advance the administrative best practices in architecture, engineering, interior design, landscape architecture, construction and their related fields. With the support of SDA and access to training, education, online forums and a national network of chapters, staff can be the go-to professional, who not only speaks to the best ways of working, but who implements and maintains these methods to continue growing in their skills and add value to your firm.