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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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.
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.
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.
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.
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