About

Who We Are

SDA is the premier professional organization for A/E/C business operations, management, leadership, & corporate support services. With 60+ years of experience, SDA offers tailored education, design firm certification (CDFA), & knowledge to help members grow professionally. Whether you are an office manager, receptionist, HR manager, marketer, controller, or a little bit of everything,

What makes the SDA New York Chapter different?

The New York Chapter of SDA was established in 1985 and is the largest chapter in the SDA national organization. With 60 members, our firms are comprised of the leading AEC firms in New York City. SDA members are the core of the systems and processes of these AEC firms – the professionals who ensure the business success of their firms.

Manhattan’s geographic density means that almost all of our member firms are located in Manhattan, or easily reached by mass transportation, so that we are easily able to connect in person for events.

Most of our educational events are hybrid, which creates flexibility for our members. Many of our programs are also available virtually to SDA members across the country, which enhances our knowledge sharing.

Meet The Board

Elena Gutierrez, CDFA
Elena Gutierrez, CDFAPresident
Lisa Reese
Lisa ReeseVice President
Kate English
Kate EnglishTreasurer
Joseph Marullo
Joseph MarulloSecretary
Jennifer M. Greene, CDFA
Jennifer M. Greene, CDFAPast President / Director
Pat Leyden, CDFA
Pat Leyden, CDFADirector
Advisors to the SDA NYC Board Members

Kelly Loughran
Kim Celenza

Advisory Board

The SDA New York Chapter Advisory Board is a group of A/E/C industry experts who contribute their knowledge, wisdom, experience, and connections within the industry.  The Advisory Board is a valuable resource to develop ideas, strategies and opportunities to assist SDA NY in achieving their mission.

The  Advisory Board is composed of the following individuals who are recognized leaders in the AEC community:

Robert F. Herrmann
Robert F. Herrmann
Simon Goodhead
Simon Goodhead
Gia Mainiero
Gia Mainiero
Marilyn Marullo
Marilyn Marullo
Patricia McCaffery
Patricia McCaffery
Michelle Dilello
Michelle Dilello
Maria Iacovone
Maria Iacovone
David Singer
David Singer

New York Member Firms

Take your career to the next level with SDA. Our members represent a national network of business professionals who are advancing administrative best practices in prominent and forward-thinking firms in architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, construction and their related fields.

Accu-Cost Construction Consultants, Inc. KPFF Consulting Engineers Robert Siegel Architects
Arnel Associates LLC Langan Rockwell Group
Beyer Blinder Belle, Architects and Planners, LLP Lilker Associates Consulting Engineers PC Ronnette Riley Architect
Carol Monahan Graphic Design Magnusson Architecture and Planning S9 Architecture
CetraRuddy Architecture DPC MBB Architects  Silman
Cini-Little International, Inc. MGDK Architects Spacesmith
Dannible, McKee & Associates, Ltd. Murphy Burnham & Buttrick, Architects LLP Steven Holl Architects
Dattner Architects Offit Kurman PA The Brooklyn Studio
DY Diaz Operations Management LLC Perkins Eastman Architects, DPC UAI
Elizabeth Shriver Consulting Platt Byard Dovell White Architects LLP Vanderweil Engineers
Ennead Architects LLP Plumbline Operations ZGF Architects, LLP
Ferguson & Shamamian Architects Risk Strategies  

Nationally

As the premier professional organization for the A/E/C industry, SDA advances management and administrative professionals through education, networking, and resources.

Professional Development. Personal Growth.

Networking

Ensure your career security by developing your professional network in the A/E/C industry. SDA members regularly recruit from within SDA.

Resources

National SDA, local chapters, webinars, conferences, and discussion forums are just a few of the resources exclusive to SDA members.

Certification

Prove your dedication and set yourself apart with your Certified Design Firm Administrator (CDFA) credential. Certified members expand their marketability via ongoing education.

Develop Industry Related Skills And Knowledge.

The six core areas below are vital to better practice management in A/E/C firms and for SDA members to excel in the design industry. They are the pillars of our continuing education seminars, on-line resources, networking opportunities, and the Certification Program. Access On-Demand Learning through the National e-Learning Resource page.

Finance
Human Resources
Leadership
Office Administration
Marketing
Project Management

Why Become a Member?

Advance Your Career

With the support of SDA and access to our training, education and robust national network of chapters and online forums, you’ll become known as a go-to professional who can not only advocate for the best practice management principles, but implement and maintain them to continually grow your skills and add value to your firm.

Join today to get access to SDA’s:

  • Conferences and seminars

  • E-Learning programs

  • Webinars
  • Local Chapters

  • Member Center and online forums

  • Certified Design Firm Administrator (CDFA) program