ZGF's Norm Zimmer Scholarship

ZGF Architects LLP in partnership with the Oregon Community Foundation

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 life-long learning. With this guiding ethos in mind, each year one (1) 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.

Eligible Applicants Must Be:

Currently enrolled in an accredited Architecture (NAAB), Interior Design (CIDA), Urban Planning and Design (PAB), or Landscape Architecture (LAAB) program in the United States.

Beginning their final year in an accredited program in 2027.

*Valid graduation dates from your current program can include both winter (December) of 2027 or spring (April / May) of 2028.

Submission Requirements:

• Online Application
• Resume
• 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.
• One Page Essay
  • Please describe how you hope to positively impact the world through design (1 page maximum).
• 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.

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

DEADLINE:                  

January 10, 2027, at 11:59pm (midnight) PST

Winner Announced Spring of 2027

*Online submission is preferred. However, if submission online is not feasible and/or an additional hard copy of your submission/letter of recommendation are to be sent by mail, please email [email protected] for instructions. All submissions must be received on or before the deadline. 

ZGF Architects encourages under-represented groups and women to apply for the scholarship.

If you have questions regarding the scholarship, please email [email protected].

*Current employees, former employees, and interns of ZGF, as well as their immediate families and those ZGF deems to present conflicts of interest, are ineligible to participate.