2025 Norm Zimmer Scholarship Application

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 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.

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 the Fall of 2024.
  *Valid graduation dates from your current program can include both winter (December) of 2025 or spring (April / May) of 2026.

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.

About The 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.

DEADLINE:                   

January 17, 2025 at 5pm PST 

Winner Announced Spring of 2025.

*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 at the address below on or before the deadline.  

If you have questions regarding the scholarship, please email [email protected]. 
ZGF Architects encourages under-represented groups and women to apply for the scholarship. 

*Current employees, recent 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.