Chad Young

Chad Young is the current President and CEO of WDD Architects, one of the state’s largest and most established architectural firms. As the sixth president in WDD’s 106-year history, Chad has just marked 30 years with the firm, having started as an intern in 1995. He was named partner in 2001, becoming the youngest principal in the firm’s history at age 29. Throughout his tenure, Chad has led numerous award-winning design projects across a wide range of sectors. In addition to his leadership at WDD, he is also the managing owner of Young Builders LLC, operating as Chad Young Architecture, which specializes in custom residential design.

Chad Young’s architectural practice is dedicated to creating thoughtfully designed environments and communities that enrich lives and promote health. Under his leadership, the firm has made a meaningful impact throughout Arkansas by delivering numerous landmark projects across higher education, corporate, financial institutions, healthcare, and government sectors. These include new facilities for the University of Arkansas, the State of Arkansas, ATA World Headquarters, Mid America Science Museum, Arkansas State Parks, Lyon College, as well as a broad range of financial institutions for banks across the state and significant number of municipal projects for the cities of Cabot, Little Rock, Jacksonville, Harrison, Maumelle, among others. Notable healthcare projects include Arkansas Heart Hospital Encore Medical Center, UAMS Radiology Oncology Center, Sevier County Medical Center among many others. These projects reflect the firm’s commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centered design that supports both functional needs and community well-being.

In his personal life, Chad has remained actively involved in his community and church, serving in various volunteer leadership roles, including leading church youth groups, Royal Rangers, and adult discipleship classes. Chad has also been engaged in civic service, currently serving as Chairman of the Cabot Planning Commission since 2017. His past roles include serving on the Executive Board of the Cabot Panther Foundation and the LRAFB Community Council.

Chad is an alumnus of the Little Rock Regional Chamber’s Leadership Greater Little Rock Class XXV and serves on the board of Arvest Bank. Over the years, his contributions to architecture, community development, and civic leadership have been recognized, including being named to Arkansas Business’s “40 Under 40” in 2004 and featured in Arkansas Leader’s “20 to Watch” and High-Profile publication in Arkansas Democrat Gazette in 2019.