Scholarships

We are committed to mentoring students and training the next generation of leaders. 

Norm Zimmer Scholarship

Established in 2004, in memory of ZGF founding partner Norm Zimmer, the Norm Zimmer Scholarship exemplifies Norm’s spirit and devotion to design, community, and lifelong learning. With this guiding ethos in mind, each year one student is selected to receive $10,000 for university tuition and fees.

ZGF is committed to supporting the next generation of designers and we encourage all interested applicants across Architectural, Interior, Urban, or Landscape Design to apply. We are looking for students who display a commitment to their craft and a dedication to personal development in their chosen field.

Details and Requirements

ELIGIBILITY

Current students enrolled in an accredited architecture (NAAB), interior design (CIDA), urban planning and design (PAB), or landscape architecture (LAAB) program in the United States who will begin their final year in an accredited program in the Fall of 2026. Valid graduation dates from your current program can include both winter (December) of 2026 or spring (April / May) of 2027.

MATERIALS

1. Online Application

2. Resume

3. Academic Portfolio

-Include (5) examples of academic design work with written descriptions (5 projects maximum). All examples (conceptual sketches, three-dimensional views, etc.) should be produced in a manner that is readable and legible.
-Original work is preferred. Work done with a single partner may be submitted, but it must include a description of the applicant’s specific contribution.
-Acceptable formats: Upload (1) file with projects combined in a single PDF (max 9MB file size), or a link to online portfolio in format stated above. 

4. One page essay

Please describe how you hope to positively impact the world through design (1 page maximum).

5. Letter of Recommendation

Written by a faculty member of your current institution with direct knowledge of your work, addressing your talent, and passion for the field of architecture and design.

6. Finalist Video Submission in Early to Mid-February

Finalists will be notified to submit a personal 3-minute video introducing themselves to the judges.

 

ZGF Architects LLP in partnership with the Oregon Community Foundation

IMPORTANT DATES

November 17, 2025

Scholarship portal opens

January 30, 2026

Scholarship portal closes at 11:59pm PST    

Spring 2026

Winner notified

Fall 2026

Scholarship fund distributed to University to be applied toward tuition and fees

Apply now

Emerging Black Architects and Designers Scholarship

ZGF proudly presents the 6th year of our Emerging Black Architects and Designers scholarship to support Black students currently enrolled in Architecture and Design programs in the US. 

Two (2) students will be selected to each receive a $5,000 scholarship to go toward their final year of schooling.

Details and Requirements

ELIGIBILITY

Students must submit an online application that includes a resume, an essay, one advanced level design project, and one letter of recommendation. Applicants must be currently enrolled and entering their final year of an accredited architecture (NAAB), interior design (CIDA), urban planning and design (PAB), or landscape architecture (LAAB) program in the United States and entering their final year in an accredited program in the fall of 2026. Valid graduation dates from your current program can include both winter (December) of 2026 or spring (April / May) of 2027.

MATERIALS

1. Online Application

2. Resume

3. One Advanced Level Design Project

-One project limited to (5) pages maximum with a written description of the project (250 words).
-Individual work is highly preferred.
-Work done with a single partner may be submitted, and it must include a description of the applicant’s specific contribution and a letter of support from the applicant’s collaborative partner.
-Preferred layout is 11x17 landscape.
-Acceptable formats: Upload (1) file in a single PDF (max 9MB file size), or a link to online portfolio in format stated above.

4. One page essay

Please describe how you will impact your community through your unique lived experience and as a design professional (500 words maximum).

5. Letter of Recommendation

Written by a faculty member of your current institution with direct knowledge of your work, addressing your talent, and passion for the field of architecture and design.

5. Finalist Video Submission in February

Finalists will be invited to submit a personal 3-minute video introducing themselves to the judges and presenting their project.

 

ZGF Architects LLP in partnership with the Oregon Community Foundation

IMPORTANT DATES

November 17, 2025

Scholarship portal opens

January 30, 2026

Scholarship portal closes at 11:59pm PST

Spring 2026

Winner notified

Fall 2026

Scholarship fund distributed to University to be applied toward tuition and fees

Apply now