About

Who is SDA?

For over 45 years, the Society for Design Administration (SDA), an affiliate of the American Institute of Architects, has promoted education and “best practices” in management and professional standards of design firm administrative personnel. SDA Membership stretches across the United States and Canada and is comprised of personnel in the design profession, including architecture, engineering, construction, landscape and interior design.

What is SDA?

SDA enhances the professional development and personal growth of its members, and consequently the development and growth of their respective companies. To accomplish this, SDA provides a host of networking opportunities, as well as educational resources in the areas of: Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, Marketing, Office Administration, and Project Management.

SDA – An Overview

The Society for Design Administration (SDA), an Affiliate of the American Institute of Architects, has a rich, long history with founding roots in Miami, Florida in 1959. The mission of SDA has been one of education, but SDA’s vision includes the promotion of professional standards for design firm administrative personnel. To that end, SDA provides educational opportunities, accredited through both SDA and AIA continuing education criteria, for members of the organization and the design community.

SDA’s Professional Emphasis Groups (PEGs) offer members the opportunity to network within six areas of expertise: Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, Marketing, Office Administration and Project Management. The membership of SDA supports firms of varying size in the United States and Canada though a highly active website www.sdadmin.org. The Society’s published White Papers appear on this website, along with reference information specific to each of the PEGs.

The Society also offers a rigorous certification program for members with emphasis placed on education and professionalism. The annual convention, EDSymposium, is filled with seminars focused on the enrichment of SDA’s areas of expertise.

The membership of SDA consists of owners, associates, department managers, and administrators all dedicated to the enhancement and integration of corporate business and the design industry. The SDA Forum gives instant access to colleagues and peers who can help answer your questions and concerns specific to the design industry. It works like a chat room or other online discussion forums found on the Internet.

The structure of SDA consists of an elected Executive Committee, appointed Committee Chairs and 40 active chapters within the United States. SDA also has a broad base of members-at-large located in cities without SDA chapters. The SDA Affiliate in Canada is of similar structure, offering programs indicative to the Canadian design industry. The headquarters of SDA is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.