Society for Design Administration - Dallas Chapter

Yours. Mine. Ours. Raffle

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:03:00 +0000

Enter for a chance to win this great gift set (guaranteed to get you out of shopping for Mother’s Day or Father’s day), or you can keep all the goodies to yourself.

The Society for Design Administration is selling raffle tickets to win the prizes in the flier pictured above.

All proceeds will go to the SDA Dallas Chapter’s Education Fund.

Pricing is $10 for one ticket and $20 for five tickets.

Ticket sales will end on Friday, May 4, 2012. The drawing will be on Tuesday, May 8.

If you are interested in purchasing raffle tickets , please contact Andrea Mendiola (andrea.mendiola@kimley-horn.com) or Victoria Mcgee (victoria.mcgee@kimley-horn.com)

Thank you,

(checks can be made out to SDA Dallas)

noreply@blogger.com (Bridgette) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 14:13:00 +0000

Upcoming Events

noreply@blogger.com (Bridgette) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 16:25:00 +0000

SDA Office Installation and Holiday Lunch

The new 2012 SDA Officers

noreply@blogger.com (Bridgette) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 19:02:00 +0000

Remembering Mildred Arnold on her Birthday

Mildred Arnold, SDA/C

October 13, 1917 - July 22, 2010

You can’t talk about Mildred Arnold without talking about SDA—they just go hand in hand. If you knew Mildred, you knew about SDA. And if you knew about SDA, you knew about Mildred Arnold. The Society for Design Administration (SDA) members are very proud to say we wear many hats, but how many of us can say we did it for over half a century? Mildred Arnold did!

Mildred started working at Grayson Gill Architects and Engineers in 1954. Think about that--1954! She was a Mom and a homemaker and working for an architecture and engineering firm when most women were stay-at-home moms. She was a real trailblazer. Tom Workman, one of the architects at Grayson Gill and one of Mildred’s closest friends, said “Mildred Arnold was a POWER! Every time I spoke with her I walked away feeling reinforced......she was so overwhelmingly genuine, considerate and life wise. Yes, she loved to talk. ..........yet, what she said was worth hearing!” From the beginning of that career, Mildred jumped in – feet first – and discovered a passion for the design and construction industry that she would share with her fellow administrators until the day she died.

Passion, dedication, enthusiasm, loyalty – these are all words that have been used to describe Mildred ever since. So it comes as no surprise to find out that when she joined the Architectural Secretaries Association in 1971 (which was the predecessor to SDA) she became a trailblazer again. She jumped in feet first and became a leader and champion for the organization.

Mildred not only served in many capacities for the local chapter—as Vice President several years, a Director, and many committee chairs—but she also served SDA on a national level as Education Chair and Historical Chair. She was so committed and passionate about SDA, that in 1988 when the National President, Wanda Holcombe, decided to try and record the SDA story, she knew she could call on Mildred to take on the task. So Mildred jumped in again. Imagine little Mildred in the middle of a ton of storage boxes during one of the worst heat waves Dallas has seen.

And once again, her hard work and expertise resulted in a detailed chronology of the events that helped SDA grow from a fledging group in1959 with just a few members to the thriving national organization it is today, with over 600 members and chapters all over the country.

Wanda Holcombe remembers: “Mildred had a "feisty" side of her personality that challenged us & kept us on our "toes," which was one of her gifts. In particular, I remember her part in creating the ASA STORY & History of SDA, plus seeing that it was kept up. There was no greater master of details than Mildred. We all loved her for keeping us on track even when it flustered & challenged us at the same time.”

In 1999, Mildred was given the SDA National Member of the Year Award. When most of us would have been happy to settle into retirement, Mildred – at the age of 82 – was still working in the design field, still contributing to SDA, and still committed to the education and development of her fellow administrators.

Carole Steadham, who became our National President the following year, recalls: I can still see Mildred, “on stage” at the Convention in Dallas, holding up her medal as she just received the SDA Member of the Year Award and, shouting “I will decide when I leave this Industry, and I’m not through yet!” Mildred addressed a note to Carole later that said:”Words cannot convey what is in my heart for submitting my name as SDA National Member of the Year—what an honor and historic event for me. In my wildest dreams I never envisioned I would be honored at the Convention in Dallas when you became “The Star,” Our President. With love and a Texas sized thank you, Mildred”

Shirley Pope, who served as one of the Presidents of the Dallas Chapter, also remembers Mildred at that convention: At the Host Chapter party in Dallas, Mildred showed up at the Sons of Hermann Hall wearing red cowboy boots and a red cowboy hat. Of course her denim shirt and plaid blouse were topped off with her red bandana. All she needed was a couple of six shooters to corner the market on the rootin'est tootin'est cowgirl of the ball.

Mildred’s dedication to SDA went beyond caring about the organization – she cared about the members, too. She took the time to meet each member, and kept in touch with us. Judith Nix, President of the chapter in 2010, said “I am going to really Miss Mildred because she was my biggest cheerleader – a true friend who I could depend on for support.”

SDA will remember Mildred as a leader, a visionary, and a champion for education but I will remember her as a friend. I will remember her pretty blue eyes and the stubbornness she had for things she believed in. I will remember her sweet nature and her graciousness. She was a wonderful mentor and an inspiration and generous with her time and energy. She was always willing to lend an ear and offer her support. Our Dallas Chapter has been so blessed to have her energy and spirit and I know we will never forget her. She was, and I hope will continue to be, the wind beneath our wings.

Mary Beth Parker, SDA

noreply@blogger.com (Bridgette) — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 14:49:00 +0000

SDA 9th Annual Texas Picnic

Saturday, October 22nd, 2011

Horse Thief Hollow Ranch

7515 Spicewood Springs Rd

Austin, TX 78759

10:00 am - 2:30 pm

It's time for a Good Old Texas Round Table

10:00 - 11:30 am Round Table

11:30 - 12:30 pm Lunch

12:30 - 1:30 pm Networking

1:30 - 2:30 pm Our Annual Hike

Please bring a covered dish of your favorite vegetable and/or dessert and soft drinks.

$5.00 per person will be collected to cover the cost of the meat, tea, and paper products.

Please R.S.V.P. to your Chapter President by Oct. 19th

So we will have a final count for the meat.

Jane Neal's cell phone number 817-480-7837

noreply@blogger.com (Bridgette) — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 19:09:00 +0000

A Shared Passion and 2 Successful Associations = A Great Collaboration

Tuesday, September 20th

3:00 p.m. ET/ 2:00 p.m. CT/ 1:00 p.m. MT/ 12:00 p.m. PT

Duration 1 Hour

This is a FREE webinar for all SDA Members!

About this Webinar

Strategic alliances are an important tool for all chapters to enhance their ability to accomplish their mission and goals. These alliances offer an opportunity to pool and share resources, create joint programs, increase revenue and develop a stronger network within your membership and community. While some organizations seemingly might have different goals, ultimately they gain more by collaborating to reach common goals between groups. This benefits both the organizations and the members they serve. This presentation is but one example of ample successes between organizations.

The AIA and SDA have worked collaboratively for some time and look forward to continued success. This webinar will demonstrate all the ways AIA and SDA work hand in hand and it will also show you the benefits of working with your local AIA/SDA chapter.

REGISTER NOW!

How Does a Webinar Work?

On the scheduled date and time, call in to hear the presenter and login to see the presentation online using the access information provided after you register. You can then contribute to the discussion and participate in the Q&A. To attend live, you must have a computer and one phone line.

You can turn the webinar into a group training session by registering for one phone and computer's access -- then use a speaker phone and projector in a conference room so a whole group can attend for the price of one registration!

Meet the Speakers

Sonia Riggs, Executive Director, has been with the Colorado Component of the American Institute of Architects (AIA Colorado) for over eleven years.

Sonia has a Bachelor of Science in Business from the University of Colorado at Boulder. She has been working with associations for 16 years and has over 12 years of experience in fundraising, event planning, and association management. While at AIA, Sonia has worked closely with SDA, collaborating on joint programs and events, and acting as a partner on boards and committees. Sonia is a member of the Denver Architectural Foundation, the American Society of Association Executives and the Colorado Society of Association Executives.

Pomelia “Pomie” L. Bowers, SDA, is a native of Colorado and has been a member of the Society for Design Administration (SDA) since 2001. Since 2002, Pomie has served as a director, vice president and president of the Denver Chapter of SDA. She is currently serving on the Public Relations Committee for the American Council of Engineering Companies of Colorado (ACEC), and as a board member of the Constructors and Designers Alliance. Pomie has volunteered with AIA Denver and AIA Colorado for almost 10 years now and has collaborated with both chapters on numerous programs and events. She has participated as a liaison to both the AIA Colorado and AIA Denver Boards of Directors and has assisted in recruiting volunteers and sponsors for AIA programs year after year (Box City for Kids, Statewide Design Conference, Architecture Month, Practice Management Symposium, Golf Tournament).

The Society for Design Administration provides speakers and services on the Internet as a benefit and service to our members and other interested parties. The SDA cannot warrant the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any speaker, and their views are not necessarily the views of the SDA.

It is the registrant's responsibility to verify time zone differences prior to the date of the webinar. No refunds will be given for conferences missed due to time zone error.

There will not be CEU credits available for this webinar.

noreply@blogger.com (Bridgette) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 21:15:00 +0000

noreply@blogger.com (Bridgette) — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 19:50:00 +0000

EDSymposium11

Written by: Mary Shields, HDR

Location, Location, Location

When I found out that SDA’s EDSymposium11 would be held in the city of Charleston, South Carolina, I have to admit I was intrigued. I had never been to Charleston in all my travels as a military wife (my former life) and in my current life as a tourist. They say that Charleston is a city rich in history, tradition and Southern charm. This is true – right down to the harbor and streets containing great eating establishments, quaint shops and friendly people.

Learning, Learning, Learning

Attending EDSymposium11 was a wonderful experience full of learning, laughing and networking with all the other wonderful SDA members. I was able to choose courses that were meaningful to me.

Identity Theft - More Than Just A Financial Risk
Clients from Hell and Other Love Stories
The Art of Personal Branding
Reputation Studies and Client Satisfaction Programs
Carriage Ride though Charleston’s Historical District
Principal & Administrator - A True Partnership

Interestingly, I was contacted to participate in an SDA Podcast as a Subject Matter Expert. I chose to discuss the networking benefits of being an active SDA member. If my recording didn’t hit the cutting room floor, I’ll let you know when it might be released (as long as I don’t sound like a goober).

Laughing, Laughing, Laughing

Of course, there was plenty of laughter. For example, many of us took a dinner cruise out into the harbor. There were tables set up all around. I sat at a table for six with three members from SDA Canada (all from different cities), one of the sponsor vendors, my granddaughter and me. We laughed and told some pretty good stories. Then, the dancing started (see photos). What do you get when you are on a cruise, have a killer DJ, girls who just want to have fun, and a cocktail or two? Well, if you are thinking a wild and crazy time, you would be right on the money.

On another evening, all the “girls” from Texas went to dinner at Hymans Sea Food Restaurant. We sat around banquet-style tables with brass nameplates marking famous visitors such as Oprah, and other noteworthy personalities. Did I mention there may have been a beer or two consumed? If not, let me assure you, this was the bubbly case.

The final festive event was the Banquet for installation of the incoming National Board Members. It is also a Celebration Banquet and Reception for the past year’s endeavors. Dallas brought home a national canstruction award for a local firm whose design won over the jurors for Structural Ingenuity. I was proud to be able to receive it for our chapter.

If you have never attended convention and wonder if it would be worth it, let me ask you these simple questions:

1. Have you been to Portland, Oregon, site for EDSymposium12?

2. Do you want to be educated?

3. Do you want to have a wonderful time? Then pack your bag and check your calendar. Time’s a-wasting.

Dinner Cruise

An Awesome Experience

Written by: Yvette Moman, FKP Architects

This year I had the opportunity to experience my first SDA EDSymposium, thanks to a scholarship I received. I’ve always heard nothing but rave reviews about the conference and now know first-hand that all those things I heard are true. From the seminars to the dinner cruise to the ceremonies, everything was so well put together.

I met so many amazing women who were strong, independent, intelligent, driven, and the list goes on. I made some wonderful friends as well. I feel I have a place to lay my head in several of the states that SDA is represented. Everyone was so kind and received me as if they’ve known me all along. That is so rare, especially among large groups of women.

From my perspective, the overall theme of EDSymposium emphasized becoming more involved. That the best way to get more out of the organization is to just jump in and really become involved in whatever area you feel comfortable in. I had so many excuses why I was reluctant to; family life, not enough time, etc. but I met so many women at the conference with the same if not busier lives and schedules that it challenged me to step up my game. Olivia Parker spoke at the Awards ceremony about involvement and I really took it to heart. I am currently the Hospitality Chair for the Dallas Chapter, and am now serving on the National Awards Committee. I am looking forward to attending more EDSymposium’s and getting the most out of this wonderful organization that celebrates the women in this industry that are the glue that holds our firms together.

Welcome reception at The Gas Light art gallery

Get Your Head in the Cloud!

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 14:32:00 +0000

“Cloud Computing” options are opening up a whole new way for businesses of all sizes to stay competitive, communicate and access their critical data anywhere all while reducing cost and providing instant “disaster recovery and business continuity”. Come hear real stories of real people seeing a real benefit from using “the cloud”. From phones to email to file sharing to the devices and/or services needed, this is not a “one size fits all” technology decision. You will walk away armed with the questions that your firm needs to ask when considering “looking to the Cloud”.

Presented By: Kenny Leckie, Senior IT Consultant with Cornerstone BTI
When: June 14, 2011
Time: 11:30 – 1:00 pm (Lunch will be included)
Where: AIA Offices, 1909 Woodall Rodgers Fwy, Dallas
Cost: $10.00 for Members and $25.00 for Non-Members

Register by emailing Victoria McGee by June 10th.

May Business Meeting Recap

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Tue, 10 May 2011 17:03:00 +0000

Special thanks to JJA for hosting and providing lunch for SDA's May meeting. The group received an in-depth view of the new SDA blog site.
EDSymposium 2011 is coming up June 8-11 in South Carolina. Stay tuned for updates.

Architecture on Tap

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Fri, 06 May 2011 16:30:00 +0000

"Architecture on Tap" is an annual, monthly summer event put on by the AIA Associates Committee. The goal is to provide a relaxed happy hour-like setting in which to have established, practicing architects generate discussion amongst a group of approximately 50 young members of our profession. As the title suggests, the event is held at a local establishment over drinks and snacks. For more information check out the AIA Associates blog.

Follow Up: SDA Happy Hour

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Mon, 02 May 2011 18:40:00 +0000

SDA Dallas held their quarterly happy hour at Kona Grill at NorthPark Center on April 26^th. The venue was terrific for the group and a great place to network and meet new people (the smiling faces above prove it!).

The next happy hour event is scheduled for July. Don’t miss out!

May 2011 Business Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 13:24:00 +0000

Please mark your calendars and plan to attend our May Business Meeting.

Tuesday, May 10th, from 11:30am - 1:00pm our meeting will be hosted by JJA Engineers located at 8150 North Central Expressway, M-2100 Campbell Centre, Dallas TX 75206.

As an added bonus, in lieu of the Round Table discussion, Julie Huval will doing a presentation on the new SDA Blog site with tips for setting up your own Blog Site.

Please RSVP to Victoria McGee at by Friday, May 6th.

SDA Happy Hour

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 16:41:00 +0000

Join the Society for Design Administration at the April 26th event for networking and getting to know the organization. To register, click here and RSVP to Tina Duron.

CANstruction 2011 is Starting Up!

noreply@blogger.com (Julie) — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:34:00 +0000

The CANstruction 2011 Dallas committee had their first meeting March 24th. This year's committee is led by Aimee Hayes of Pacheco Koch and she has compiled a group of eager planners to get the ball rolling. Stay tuned for updates! In the meantime, enjoy pictures from CANstruction 2010.