LAF Honor Scholarship in Memory of Joe Lalli
Scholarship Sponsored by Landscape Architecture Foundation
Overview
The LAF Honor Scholarship in memory of Joseph J. Lalli supports graduate study in landscape architecture and recognizes commitment to design, artistic pursuits, travel, and service. It is intended for students pursuing an accredited master’s degree in the United States or Canada and emphasizes both professional promise and personal character. Awards are competitive and consider demonstrated ability, leadership, and need.
Description: This scholarship was established to honor Joseph J. Lalli’s 46-year career as a landscape architect, artist, philanthropist, mentor, and teacher, and to expand access to graduate education in landscape architecture.
- Supports graduate study in landscape architecture
- Recognizes design talent, leadership, and service
- Considers financial need as part of selection
Eligibility & Evaluation
Applicants must be enrolled in an LAAB- or LAAC-accredited master’s program (post-baccalaureate or non-baccalaureate) at a U.S. or Canadian university and meet the minimum academic standard. The selection process evaluates a combination of creative, professional, and personal qualities rather than purely academic metrics. Financial need is considered alongside demonstrated leadership and service.
Eligibility: Landscape architecture master’s students in accredited U.S. or Canadian programs with a minimum 2.5 GPA (4.0 scale); applicants should demonstrate commitment to drawing, artistic pursuits, travel, and community/professional service.
Evaluation: Candidates are assessed on design ability, leadership, character and integrity, service to others and the profession, with financial need taken into account.
- Requires enrollment in an accredited master’s program
- Minimum GPA: 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
- Selection balances talent, service, integrity, and need
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through LAF’s online system and must follow the General Application Guidelines and stated deadlines. Only materials submitted according to the guidelines will be reviewed; additional materials will not be considered. Follow instructions for uploads, page limits, and file formats to ensure your submission is eligible for review.
To Apply: Use the LAF online application system as directed in the General Application Guidelines; adhere strictly to deadlines and submission requirements.
- Apply via the online system only
- Adhere to formatting, page limits, and deadlines
- Supplemental or late materials will not be reviewed
Required Materials
All applicants must submit a standard set of materials; this scholarship also requires additional documents specific to financial need and demonstrated qualities. Materials must conform to specified formats, page limits, and labeling requirements. Statements about any AI assistance in submitted work must be disclosed where applicable.
Application Contents: All applicants must submit a general submission form, a headshot, a short bio, and a resume. In addition to these baseline items, this scholarship requires a financial aid form, two letters of recommendation, an essay, and work samples as detailed below.
- General Submission Form: Online form with contact and program details.
- Photo: Color headshot (jpg), horizontal orientation, at least 1800x1200 pixels; head and shoulders; simple background.
- Bio for the LAF Website (150-word max): Short bio in PDF, DOC, or TXT describing background, current studies, plans, and interests.
- Resume (2 page max): PDF including education, experience, activities, honors; label pages with Applicant Name/Resume/Scholarship Name and page numbers.
- Financial Aid Form: Online form describing financial need and current assistance.
- 2 Letters of Recommendation: Recommender emails are provided in the application; letters should address exemplary qualities and provide examples of character and integrity.
- Essay (2 page max; 500 words or less): PDF explaining how graduate study will support continuation of the areas Joseph Lalli valued (drawing, artistic pursuits, travel, service); 1" margins, ≥10-point font, no images; label pages with Applicant Name/Essay/Scholarship Name and page numbers.
- Work Samples (6 page max): Single 8.5"x11" PDF containing 3–6 projects with explanatory text; note individual role for group work and disclose any AI-generated content and its role; label pages with Applicant Name/Work Samples/Scholarship Name and page numbers.
- Follow file format and labeling requirements closely
- Respect page limits and formatting rules for essays and work samples
- Disclose any AI assistance in submitted work
History of the Award
The scholarship honors Joseph J. Lalli, FASLA (1943–2014), who led a distinguished 46-year career as a landscape architect, artist, mentor, and philanthropist. He served as chairman and president of EDSA and contributed to more than 500 projects across 40 countries. The award reflects his values of modesty, generosity, and the transformative potential of graduate education.
History of the Award: Established in memory of Joe Lalli to expand access to graduate education in landscape architecture and to encourage the creative, service-oriented values he exemplified.
- Created to honor Joseph J. Lalli’s legacy
- Emphasizes education, creativity, travel, and service
- Reflects Lalli’s global impact and professional leadership