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, and a paid internship with ZGF.

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 2024. Valid graduation dates from your current program can include both winter (December) of 2024 or spring (April / May) of 2025.

MATERIALS

1. Resume

2. 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. 

3. One page essay

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

4. 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 Mid-February

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

Internship

The winner of the scholarship is eligible for a paid internship for the duration of (10) weeks in one of the firm's five US office locations.*

*The internship is optional and not a requirement of the scholarship. The internship is dependent on work authorization in the US. Individuals with work authorization in Canada may request an internship in our Vancouver, BC Office.

IMPORTANT DATES

November 1, 2023

Scholarship portal opens

February 1, 2024

Scholarship portal closes at 5 PM PST. Application period is now closed for 2024.

Spring 2024

Winner notified

Summer 2024

Internship with ZGF Architects

Fall 2024

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

Apply now

ZGF Announces 2020 Scholarship Winner: Araceli Lopez

We caught up with Araceli to talk about her early inspirations, graduate school, and civic architecture.

Read story

Emerging Black Architects Scholarship

ZGF proudly presents the 4th year of our Emerging Black Architects and Design scholarship to support Black students currently enrolled in Architecture and Design programs in the U.S. In 2020, ZGF Staff raised $160,000 on Juneteenth and partnered with ZGF's leadership to create a lasting opportunity to aid Black students in their path to becoming professionals in architecture and design.

Two students who identify as Black or African American will be selected to receive $5,000 each to be applied toward university tuition and fees. Both students will be offered an optional paid internship with ZGF. 

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 2024. Valid graduation dates from your current program can include both winter (December) of 2024 or spring (April / May) of 2025.

MATERIALS

1. Resume

2. 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.

3. One page essay

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

4. 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 Mid-February

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

Internship

The winner of the scholarship is eligible for a paid internship for the duration of (10) weeks in one of the firm's five US office locations.*

*The internship is optional and not a requirement of the scholarship. The internship is dependent on work authorization in the US. Individuals with work authorization in Canada may request an internship in our Vancouver, BC Office.

IMPORTANT DATES

November 1, 2023

Scholarship portal opens

February 1, 2024

Scholarship portal closes at 5 PM PST. Application period is now closed for 2024.

Spring 2024

Winner notified

Summer 2024

Internship with ZGF Architects

Fall 2024

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

Apply now