About April McGill

Over the past 13 years April has worked for three of Charleston’s architectural firms, became a licensed architect & project manager, and in 2011 embarked on her own by starting Root Down Designs.

Recognizing that an architect can not exist only in the world of theory, she began to explore materials, with her hands. As she continued to experiment with building materials in the Carolinas, she also began to travel the world in search of ancient earthen building techniques still in use today and learn the principles of permaculture.

April is a leading voice in the advancements of Alternative, Natural, & Healthy building methods and has been a pioneer in the advancement of alternative building methods in the southeast. She has worked with multiple building jurisdictions in helping clients obtain building permits for alternative materials. She has successfully obtained permits for multiple rammed earth projects, compressed earth block, and hybrid methods. April’s conventional background allows her to excel in Project Management and she has led large teams through the conception of an idea through to the completion of a project, with the client’s budget always at the forefront of every project. April’s diversity of project types extend from back yard yoga huts to small homes to custom residential to large commercial Eco-Resorts. Whether the materials are conventional or alternative, April helps clients define their true project goals and deliver a project based on their individual needs.

April believes that education is a key component to Regenerative Architecture; April has led over 3 dozen community-building workshops and courses, is an Adjunct Professor for the American College of Building Arts, and is a keynote speaker to many organizations. Her passion for engaging with communities and involving people in the process of building is essential to Affordable Housing, which is an issue April is very passionate about.