ZGF Norm Zimmer Scholarship 2026

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.

Summary

1. Application Deadline: January 16, 2026
2. Value: $10,000 tuition award + optional 10-week paid internship with ZGF Architects
3. Study Level: Undergraduate / Final-year students
4. Sponsor: ZGF Architects LLP in partnership with the Oregon Community Foundation
5. Course to Study: Architecture, Interior Design, Urban Planning & Design, Landscape Architecture
6. Eligible Country: United States

Eligibility Criteria for ZGF Norm Zimmer Scholarship 2026

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.

Required documents

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 Early to 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 following ZGF locations: Seattle, WA; Portland, OR; Los Angeles, CA; Washington, DC; New York, NY. *

*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.

Benefits of ZGF Norm Zimmer Scholarship 2026

1. $10,000 tuition award + optional 10-week paid internship

How to Apply

For more information, kindly visit ZGF scholarship webpage.

Application Deadline

January 16, 2026

Application Link(s)

• Apply for ZGF Norm Zimmer Scholarship 2026