Since 2004, ZGF has awarded a total of $120,000 in scholarships to qualified students across the country. Established in memory of ZGF founding partner Norm Zimmer, the ZGF Scholarship program began with a local purview promoting the scholarship to schools near ZGF office locations. It has evolved nationwide and today is offered to programs across the U.S. Administered by the Oregon Community Foundation, the mission of the scholarship—to recognize and support students who demonstrate a talent and passion for architecture, interior design and urban planning —echoes ZGF’s commitment to mentor and foster the next generation of exceptional design talent.

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.

This year’s application window is now open and closes on February 1, 2021.

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 2021. Valid graduation dates from your current program can include both winter (December) of 2021 or spring (April / May) of 2022.

Apply Online
Applications for the scholarship must be completed by 11 pm PST on February 1, 2021.
Complete the application and upload the following materials to our scholarship portal.

• Resume
• Academic Portfolio
  • Include five examples of academic design work (submitted either through URL or PDF. 10MB maximum, if uploading a PDF)
  • Acceptable formats: PDF or link to portfolio.
  • Work must be original. Group projects will not be considered.
• One-Page Essay
  • Describe the design intent of the work shown in the portfolio submitted (1 page maximum). 
• Letter of Recommendation
  • Written by a faculty member of your current institution, addressing your talent, and passion for the field of architecture and design.

SCHOLARSHIP TIMELINE

November 2020  – Scholarship portal opens
February 1, 2021 – Complete applications are due by 11pm PST
Second week of March 2021 – Winner notified
Summer 2021 – Internship with ZGF Architects
Fall 2021 – Scholarship fund distributed to University to be applied toward tuition and fees