The LAF Fellowship for Innovation and Leadership is a prestigious, year-long initiative hosted by the Landscape Architecture Foundation (LAF). Designed to catalyze environmental and social innovation, this fellowship empowers mid- to senior-level landscape architecture professionals to pursue visionary, transformative projects. Selected fellows are awarded $25,000 to dedicate approximately twelve weeks away from regular work duties—spread over a year—to develop their self-directed initiatives aimed at strengthening the discipline’s resilience, equity, and design impact.
Over the course of the fellowship, participants join a close-knit cohort—typically six individuals—who convene for three intensive 2.5-day residencies. These residencies serve as a platform for peer review, leadership coaching, and iterative refinement of each fellow’s project. Grounded in systems thinking, each session challenges participants to think expansively about how their ideas can positively shape public space, community engagement, environmental stewardship, or urban policy. Between gatherings, fellows engage in monthly virtual check-ins, a winter “mini-residency,” and one-on-one mentorship that sustain momentum, accountability, and progressive iteration.
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Fellow projects run the gamut—from pioneering practices that bolster ecological restoration or public health, to advocacy tools that influence infrastructure policy, historic preservation efforts, or climate resilience strategies. Regardless of subject, each initiative must demonstrate potential for systemic impact beyond a single site or community. The fellowship encourages intergenerational leadership by pairing fellows with Olmsted Scholars—emerging professionals—who provide fresh perspectives and collaborative energy.
The fellowship’s hallmark is the fusion of high-level intellectual engagement with practical mentorship and reflective process. Each residency includes workshops, design sprints, advisory panels, and personal leadership sessions, while virtual dialogues ensure continuous peer support and accountability. Mentors—drawn from LAF’s leadership, trustees, and collaborating academics—offer tailored guidance that helps fellows translate vision into action.
At the program’s conclusion, fellows present a refined project action plan to LAF leadership, including strategies for implementation, evaluation, and dissemination. Alumni continue to engage with LAF networks, contribute to media and publications, and inspire future cohorts. The fellowship’s aspirational mission is not merely to support individuals—it is to elevate landscape architecture as a vehicle for ecological justice, equitable urban transformation, and creative leadership on global challenges.
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Requirement/Eligibility
1. Academic Qualification
– Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in landscape architecture from an LAAB- or LAAC-accredited institution, or equivalent interdisciplinary educational background paired with demonstrated experience.
2. Professional Experience
– Minimum of six years of professional practice in landscape architecture, urban planning, design-build, ecological engineering, advocacy, or closely related fields.
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3. Project Proposal
– A well-defined project with compelling potential for environmental, social, or disciplinary innovation, capable of being advanced during and after the fellowship.
4. Leadership & Mentorship
– Commitment to serve as a mentor to emerging professionals (Olmsted Scholars) and to participate actively in peer learning.
5. Time Commitment
– Dedication of approximately 12 weeks of project work during the fellowship year, supported by employer understanding and schedule flexibility.
6. Residency Attendance
– Availability to attend all three residencies (each 2.5 days) and participate in virtual and mini-residency gatherings.
7. Language Proficiency
– Excellent English communication skills, both written and oral, to contribute meaningfully to workshops and publications.
8. Ethical Leadership
– Demonstrated commitment to high standards of professional ethics, equity, and social impact.
9. Not Affiliated Staff
– Applicants must not be current LAF staff or trustees. Previous applicants or alumni are eligible for re-application with new proposals.
10. Innovation Focus
– A collaborative mindset and willingness to engage in experimental thinking and systems-driven solutions.
Duration/Stipend
- 12-month fellowship running from June 2026 to June 2027.
- Residencies: Three mandatory 2.5-day in-person gatherings.
- Virtual Engagements: Monthly check-ins and winter mini-residency.
- Stipend:25,000 total, disbursed in three installments (~$8,333 after each residency).
- Costs Covered: Travel, lodging, meals, and materials for residencies fully funded by LAF.
- Project Time: Fellows expected to devote ~12 weeks over the year (flexibly distributed).
Location
Not specified
Deadline
15th September, 2025
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