I'm April Blackwood Young, a Senior interior architecture and design management professional leader focused on delivering high-performance environments across healthcare, senior living, higher education, corporate real estate, and retail and residential. I excel at aligning interior systems with architectural and MEP infrastructure, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, and guiding projects from concept through construction to ensure quality, schedule, and budget goals. Throughout my career I mentor teams, drive collaboration with architects, engineers, and contractors, and translate design intent into executable plans that meet client goals and operational needs.

APRIL BLACKWOOD YOUNG

I'm April Blackwood Young, a Senior interior architecture and design management professional leader focused on delivering high-performance environments across healthcare, senior living, higher education, corporate real estate, and retail and residential. I excel at aligning interior systems with architectural and MEP infrastructure, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, and guiding projects from concept through construction to ensure quality, schedule, and budget goals. Throughout my career I mentor teams, drive collaboration with architects, engineers, and contractors, and translate design intent into executable plans that meet client goals and operational needs.

Available to hire

I’m April Blackwood Young, a Senior interior architecture and design management professional leader focused on delivering high-performance environments across healthcare, senior living, higher education, corporate real estate, and retail and residential. I excel at aligning interior systems with architectural and MEP infrastructure, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, and guiding projects from concept through construction to ensure quality, schedule, and budget goals.

Throughout my career I mentor teams, drive collaboration with architects, engineers, and contractors, and translate design intent into executable plans that meet client goals and operational needs.

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Experience Level

Expert
Intermediate

Work Experience

Principal Owner / Design Consultant at Merrywood Design Co.
August 1, 2025 - Present
Lead a boutique design consulting practice delivering interior architecture and strategic design solutions for retail, commercial, and builder clients, integrating design intent with construction execution and multidisciplinary coordination.
Capital & Redevelopment Projects Manager at Welltower
May 1, 2024 - August 1, 2025
Directed redevelopment and capital improvement projects across senior living portfolio including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing environments. Led coordination between architects, engineers, and contractors aligning design with infrastructure and operations. Managed budgets, change orders, and contractor payments across all phases. Mentored Associate Project Managers and improved team performance.
Design & Construction Project Manager (Design-Build) at The Stellar Group
March 1, 2022 - October 1, 2023
Led multidisciplinary teams delivering complex design-build projects. Managed timelines, budgets, and stakeholder communication.
Design & Construction Project Manager (EPCM Program) at AECOM
July 1, 2021 - January 1, 2022
Managed design execution for Shell EPCM program. Coordinated vendors and ensured cost-effective solutions.
Interior Architecture & Design Manager at Hughes Associates
February 1, 2019 - July 1, 2021
Led interior architecture studio development and project delivery. Collaborated on proposals and client presentations.

Education

Bachelor of Science – Interior Architecture at UNC Greensboro
January 15, 2001 - May 7, 2005
Certificate in Historic Preservation

Qualifications

OSHA Certified
January 11, 2030 - May 5, 2026
CBRE Safety Passport
January 11, 2030 - May 5, 2026
Licensed Real Estate Professional
January 11, 2030 - May 5, 2026
NCIDQ Certification (or In Progress)
January 11, 2030 - May 5, 2026

Industry Experience

Healthcare, Real Estate & Construction, Retail, Professional Services, Other, Education, Manufacturing, Wholesale & Distribution
    paper Workplace - Corporate Real Estate

    Led corporate real estate and interior project initiatives across a portfolio of tenant spaces, supporting site selection through market tours, test fits, and feasibility analysis to align workplace strategy with business objectives. Managed projects from lease negotiation and execution through design, construction, and move management, ensuring seamless delivery of functional, brand-aligned environments. Coordinated procurement of design and construction services, furniture, and vendor contracts while maintaining oversight of budgets, schedules, and stakeholder expectations. Partnered with internal leadership, brokers, landlords, and consultants to drive portfolio optimization, minimize risk, and deliver efficient, high-performing workplace solutions.

    uniE621 Admissions Lobby
    Healthcare Admissions Lobby Renovation. Use of new interior architecture footprint, finishes, procurement of materials and furniture. healthcare lobby architecture interiors healthcaredesign
    uniE621 Infusion Center
    New Infusion Center for healthcare client. designer healthcaredesign architecture interiors wellness
    paper Higher Education/K-12

    Managed design, architecture, and interior environments for higher education and K–12 projects, leading multidisciplinary teams through planning, design, and delivery of learning-focused spaces aligned with institutional goals. Directed development of interior architecture solutions that supported functionality, durability, and student experience, while ensuring integration with building systems, code requirements, and long-term operational needs. Coordinated closely with architects, engineers, consultants, and stakeholders to align design intent with project budgets, schedules, and construction execution. Served as a key point of contact for clients and project teams, guiding decision-making, maintaining design quality, and ensuring consistent delivery across multiple projects.

    paper Retail Energy

    Managed design and construction for Shell USA branded retail development programs across convenience stores, QSR concepts, and car wash facilities, leading projects through new builds, raze-and-rebuilds, expansions, and redevelopment initiatives tied to capital development strategies. Directed full project lifecycle from site assessment and programming through construction and closeout, ensuring alignment with brand standards, operational requirements, and performance goals. Coordinated multidisciplinary teams across architecture, engineering, and construction to integrate interior environments with building systems and site infrastructure, while managing budgets, schedules, vendor relationships, permitting, and regulatory compliance. Served as the primary liaison between ownership, operators, consultants, and contractors, driving consistent, high-quality project execution across multiple concurrent developments.

    paper Healthcare

    HCA Healthcare was a recurring client where I worked on the E2E process of pre-construction, construction documentation, presentations, material selections, procurement with C-level staff for Infusion Center, Labor & Delivery, Education, Lobby, Administration, Corridors projects.