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 of 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, Marketing, Office Administration, Information Resources, and Project Management.  The membership of SDA represents firms of varying size in both the United States and Canada.  The Society’s published White Papers appear on the national web site, along with reference information specific to each of the PEGs.

The Society also offers a certification program with emphasis placed on education and professionalism.  The annual 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 interactive List Serv, an e-mail based discussion forum, actively and instantaneously offers members the opportunity to network ideas and concerns specific to the design industry.

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 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.