LAF Research Grant in Honor of Deb Mitchell
LAF Research Grant in Honor of Deb Mitchell supports practice, academic, and other researchers in generating knowledge for landscape architecture design to strengthen the profession’s capacity and impact.
Funder: Landscape Architecture Foundation
Due Dates: December 1, 2026 (Pre-proposals) | March 1, 2027 (Full proposals, invitation only)
Funding Amounts: One $25,000 grant annually for 12 or 18 months; nonrenewable
Summary: Supports research that generates knowledge and insights for landscape architecture design practice, increasing the profession’s capacity and impact.
Key Information: At least one principal investigator must meet the landscape architecture engagement, degree or exception, and English-proficiency requirements.
Description
The Landscape Architecture Foundation (LAF) supports research relevant and impactful to the professional practice of landscape architecture through this annual, competitive grant. Established through Debra Mitchell’s bequest and additional support from SmithGroup, the program honors her commitment to research and its value to practitioners. It aims to raise the profile of research within the profession and create opportunities for collaborative investigation.
Funded work must generate knowledge and insights relevant to design practice. The program welcomes researchers from professional practice, academic institutions, and other research organizations, with preference for partnerships connecting practice and academia or research. Recent projects have examined ecologically vibrant landscape maintenance, forced labor in material supply chains, and thermal disparities. The 2026 award supports research on scaling urban depaving through actionable models of practice, partnership, and decision-making.
