Organized July 1973
Organized in 1973, the original chapter was called the Architectural Secretaries Association (ASA), Orange County Chapter. The following are remembrances of Kathleen Flanagan, the first chapter president, who was with Thomas/Richardson Associates.
Reorganized 1983
It is unknown how long the original chapter lasted. However, the seed was sown and within a few years, the need for a new chapter arose. Geri Eckner and Betsy Nickless, both of Carl McLarand Associates, Inc., were the co-founders of the current Orange County Chapter of the SDA. Geri had heard about the ASA Chapter in Los Angeles and had them come down to OC to talk about the organization in 1982. Geri and Betsy started the OC Chapter in 1982 but did not get official “charter” status until 1983, under the ASA name.
Over the years, the organization changed names – from Architectural Secretaries Association to Society for Architectural Administrators to Society of Design Administration to the current Society for Design Administration!
Our chapter has grown from a few hearty souls with the conviction to share the SDA experience with others, to becoming one of the largest chapters in this National organization! We are proud that our leadership has encouraged members to become active participants at both the local and national levels.
As a chapter, we have been fortunate to enjoy sharing experiences and warm fellowship, creating lifelong friends. We have shared moments of joy, sorrow, and triumphs. Our industry is what brought us together, but our enjoyment and commitment to our friends and our SDA chapter is what keeps us going and growing. The following is but a recap of some of the highlights of the history of this exciting SDA Chapter!