With so many pieces to sort through,
how do you know where to invest your dollars?
What is the value of membership?
- Education - SDA excels in providing continuing education to its members. SDA's speakers are leaders in the A/E/C industry, addressing leading edge topics and trends in the A/E/C industry.
- Savings for the Firm - Members have instant access to online research; networking connections that can save money or land a project; provide a sounding board to evaluate your firm's procedures without the cost of a consultant; employee recruitment through networking and the SDA Job Bank; use member demographics to find new consultants; and, much more!
- Circle of Information - Your Circle of Information is much more powerful when you access information outside of your immediate office through the SDA chapter network. Your circle can be widened further to include national firms through the SDA list serv.
- Professional Network - The SDA List Serv is an e-mail discussion method that encompasses a wide range of highly experienced SDA members in: finance; human resources; marketing; office administration; information technology; and, projet administration and management, This professional network exposes SDA members to a multitude of administrative and management solutions within the A/E/C industry. Through SDA, you can leverage the knowledge of hundreds of other administrators and managers in our industry to solve your problems.
- Trend Analysis - The SDA List Serv gives your firm the ability to test proposed policies and procedures on other professionals before implementation. Find out what "normal" is. Learn about trends in the A/E/C business, such as employee signing bonuses, the percentage of companies paying dependent health coverage, and the number of companies charging mark-ups on reimbursable items.
SDA: To Join or Not?
Written by:
Christine Erkman
Herschman Architects
SACSDA Vice President
In October 2008, I joined this chapter at the recommendation of our CFO, Carole Sanderson. She has been a member of SDA for many years and involved at the national level as an officer. I had never heard of SDA and didn't know what a "design firm" really meant. Where does a design firm administrator go to network and ensure that their firm is staying at the industry forefront? How does SDA create circumstances for these objectives to occur? From a manager's viewpoint Through SDA, your administrator can be one of your firm's best public relations resources at a much lower price than the cost of advertising.
What is a "design firm"?
Design firms include corporations, partnerships, and sole proprietors in the fields of architecture, engineering, and construction. Product suppliers and service providers are also considered part of the A/E/C industry.
Exactly what does a design firm administrator do?
In general, administrators manage affairs of any kind for a firm or company covering a wide range of responsibilities.
Architects have the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and engineers have the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE). The solution for administrators is the Society for Design Administration (SDA). Through established objectives, SDA gives members the opportunity to:
Monthly luncheon meetings with a business-related presentation provide a good foundation. My initial reaction to a monthly lunch was: "Oh, great! A bunch of women sitting around, eating a mystery meal, and talking about their kids! Will anything be relevant?" I was way off base!!! Instead, I learned that our SDA members are highly involved in their career and dedicated to their firm. They're organized, resourceful, and undaunted by challenge. Since members can't always meet during business hours, a variety of events throughout the year gives everyone a chance to apply their skills and talents. Here's a short list of our chapter accomplishments since 2008:
Consider the cost of regularly advertising your firm through traditional media outlets; are you sweating yet? We're talking about tens of thousands of dollars! National + local chapter membership for your administrator at only about $300 per year will result in:
What has SDA done for me lately?
In 2007, I was new to the A/E/C industry and didn't know anyone outside of my firm. Since joining SDA, my participation broadened my understanding of how our firms work on project in concert or independently. I gained a greater appreciation of how laws, regulations, and codes can impact projects, people, and budgets. The information that I bring back from our monthly presentations has provided more in-depth knowledge that helps me work more efficiently and productively. By participating at various events and functions, I have met many people, increased my firm's visibility, and some of those connections have been instrumental in encouraging and supporting my A/E/C career path.
If you think I'm shamelessly beating the SDA drum, you're right! We're always looking for ways to reach out to administrators in the A/E/C industry. If you know someone who could benefit from SDA membership, just contact me. Join today!
SACSDA Membership Directory
For a complete list of Southern Arizona chapter members, select the link above. Included are current members, firm descriptions and links to their websites.
