The Landscape Architecture Foundation (LAF) Fellowship for Innovation and Leadership offers an exceptional opportunity for mid-career and senior-level professionals to pursue bold ideas that address today’s pressing environmental and social challenges.
Now entering its 2026–27 cycle, this prestigious fellowship provides funding, mentorship, and a structured platform for landscape architects ready to lead transformative change.
What Is the LAF Fellowship?
Launched in 2016, the LAF Fellowship for Innovation and Leadership supports six individuals each year — including recent LAF Olmsted Scholars — who are committed to advancing landscape architecture through original, impactful work.
Fellows receive:
- A $25,000 award
- A structured fellowship year including three in-person residencies and monthly virtual meetings
- Access to a powerful network of peers, mentors, and public engagement opportunities
- Support to refine and share their projects on a national platform
Degree Level
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Fellowship-level program (non-academic, professional development)
Fields of Focus
- Urban Landscape Architecture
- Architecture
Core Fellowship Goals
The LAF Fellowship is guided by three central goals:
1. Supporting Innovation in Landscape Architecture
Fellows are provided time and expert guidance to research, test, and refine transformative ideas. Each project aligns with LAF’s mission to shape a more sustainable and equitable future.
2. Cultivating Transformational Leadership
Through structured development sessions, participants gain the skills and confidence to lead change across sectors — within the profession and in broader civic life.
3. Fostering Intergenerational Mentorship
Fellows join a cohort that includes established professionals and recent Olmsted Scholars. The collaborative environment promotes learning, exchange, and mutual support.
Why This Fellowship Matters
As the world confronts climate change, social inequality, and urban transformation, landscape architects are uniquely equipped to design solutions. The LAF Fellowship for Innovation and Leadership empowers professionals to elevate their work, develop leadership capacity, and drive systemic change.
This is more than a grant — it’s an investment in people and projects capable of shaping the future of landscapes and communities worldwide.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is open to applicants of all nationalities who meet the following criteria:
- A minimum of six years of professional experience in landscape architecture
- A visionary, innovative project proposal
- Passion for leadership, interdisciplinary work, and public impact
Applicants from all regions, sectors, and backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Past Fellowship Project Topics Include:
- Climate resilience and adaptation
- Inclusive urban design and homelessness
- Energy justice and environmental equity
- Public space innovation and sustainable infrastructure
How to Apply
Applications for the 2026–27 fellowship cohort must be submitted by September 15, 2025.
Application Requirements:
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Personal and professional background
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Project proposal (with goals, impact, and innovation outlined)
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Letters of recommendation
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Optional supporting materials
Full application guidelines and submission portal:
LAF Fellowship Official Page
Important Dates for the 2026–27 Cycle
- June 2025: Applications open
- September 15, 2025: Application deadline
- October 2025 – January 2026: Selection and jury review
- February 2026: Fellowship recipients announced
- June 2026: Fellowship year begins
Note: There will be no fellowship cohort for the 2025–26 cycle, due to a strategic planning year.
Virtual Office Hours
LAF will host an online Office Hours session to assist applicants:
Date: Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Time: 2:00–3:00 PM EDT
Join to ask questions and receive guidance on the application process.
Final Thoughts
The LAF Fellowship for Innovation and Leadership 2026 is a unique chance for experienced professionals in landscape architecture to step beyond conventional practice and drive meaningful change. With funding, mentorship, and national exposure, fellows gain the resources they need to transform visionary ideas into real-world impact.
