LAF USA Fellowship for Innovation and Leadership 2026
What is the LAF Fellowship for Innovation and Leadership?
Launched in 2016, the LAF Fellowship for Innovation and Leadership is designed to support mid-career and senior-level professionals in landscape architecture who are ready to step outside the boundaries of traditional practice. It offers time, structure, and financial support to explore, research, and develop ideas that address critical global challenges.
Each year, six fellows and recent LAF Olmsted Scholars are selected to:
- Pursue an original project that aligns with LAF’s goals
- Receive $25,000 in funding
- Participate in three 2.5-day residencies and monthly virtual meetings
- Engage in leadership development, mentorship, and public engagement
Degree Level
LAF USA Fellowship for Innovation and Leadership 2026 is available to undertake Fellowship level programs at USA Universities.
Available Subjects
Following subjects are available to study under this scholarship program.
- Urban Landscape Architecture
- Architecture
Benefits
Fellowship Goals and Impact
The program is grounded in three core goals:
1. Supporting Innovation in Landscape Architecture
The fellowship creates a space for professionals to test ideas with guidance from experts, peers, and the broader LAF network. Fellows engage with academics, practitioners, and industry leaders to refine and share their work with the public.
2. Cultivating Transformational Leadership
Fellows participate in structured leadership development activities that help build the courage and clarity needed to take creative risks and lead change within and beyond the discipline.
3. Fostering Intergenerational Mentorship
LAF brings together established professionals and Olmsted Scholars, creating a dynamic cohort that supports, challenges, and mentors one another through the fellowship year.
Why This Fellowship Matters
As the world faces unprecedented environmental and societal shifts, landscape architects are uniquely positioned to lead change. The LAF Fellowship for Innovation and Leadership provides the time and resources to do just that — by investing in the people and projects that can shape the future of cities, landscapes, and communities.
This fellowship is not only a grant; it is a launchpad for visionary ideas and a powerful tool to grow your influence, skills, and contribution to the profession.
Eligible Nationalities
Open to applicants of all nationalities.
Eligibility Criteria
The LAF Fellowship 2026–27 is intended for landscape architects who have a minimum of six years of professional experience and a compelling proposal for an innovative project. Applicants should be passionate about leadership, public impact, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Applicants from all backgrounds, sectors, and regions are encouraged to apply. Past fellows have tackled themes such as:
- Climate resilience and adaptation
- Energy justice
- Inclusive urban design
- Homelessness and public space design
- Sustainable infrastructure
Application Procedure
Interested applicants must submit a complete application by September 15, 2025. The application includes:
- Personal and professional background
- A project proposal outlining goals, impact, and innovation
- Letters of recommendation
- Supporting materials (optional)
For full application details, visit the official page:
https://www.lafoundation.org/what-we-do/leadership/laf-fellowship
LAF will also host a virtual Office Hours session on Wednesday, July 23, from 2–3pm EDT to help answer questions about the fellowship and guide applicants.
Key Dates for the 2026–27 Fellowship Cycle
- June 2025: Call for applications opens
- September 15, 2025: Application deadline (all materials must be submitted)
- October 2025 – January 2026: Jury deliberations
- February 2026: Selected fellows announced
- June 2026: Fellowship year begins
Note: There is no cohort for the June 2025–June 2026 cycle due to a strategic planning year.
About the Landscape Architecture Foundation (LAF)
Based in Washington, DC, the Landscape Architecture Foundation invests in research, scholarships, and leadership development to elevate the discipline and promote sustainability, equity, and innovation. Through programs like the Olmsted Scholars Program and this flagship Innovation and Leadership Fellowship, LAF is shaping the future of the profession.
Since its launch, the fellowship has supported over 33 fellows and 16 emerging professionals working on transformative initiatives worldwide.
Join a Legacy of Leadership
If you are a passionate landscape architect ready to create meaningful impact, don’t miss the opportunity to apply for the LAF Fellowship for Innovation and Leadership 2026–27. With funding, mentorship, and exposure, this fellowship is a rare chance to transform your ideas into action.
