Established by a generous bequest with additional support from SmithGroup, the LAF Research Grant in Honor of Deb Mitchell funds research that is relevant and impactful for the professional practice of landscape architecture. Each year, one $25,000 grant is awarded to support a research project that can be completed in a 12 to 18-month period.

The Landscape Architecture Foundation (LAF) is now accepting pre-proposals for the next grant cycle, with research to start in summer or fall of 2026. Pre-proposals are due December 1, 2025.

Applicants are welcome from professional practice, academic institutions, and other research organizations. Preference will be given to research teams that represent partnerships between professional practice and academic/research organizations. At least one Principal Investigator must be trained as a landscape architect and currently engaged in the field.

Proposed research projects should be related to landscape architecture in one or more of the following areas: sustainability, climate change mitigation or adaptation, resilience, social equity, health and well-being, urbanization, biodiversity, landscape performance, the economic case for sustainable landscapes, design advocacy, design as research, and design innovation.

Pre-proposals require general information about the Principal Investigator(s), a short description of the proposed research, and a preliminary budget and schedule. Candidates who are shortlisted in the pre-proposal stage will be invited to submit a full proposal by March 1, 2026.

For more information on the grant, eligibility, and the application/selection process, visit our website. 

Past grant recipient projects include:

• Ethically Sourcing: Specifying Forced-Labor Free Materials in Landscape Architecture (2024)
• Heat Waves: Visualizing Thermal Disparities (2023)
• Engagement by Design: Intergenerational Communities to Promote Social Equity and Healthy Aging in Place (2022)
• Developing a Disaster Adaptation Framework for Rural Resilience (2021)

You can access research reports, webinars, and descriptions of all past winners here.