2026 SWA Summer Student Program

SWA Group•Los Angeles, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

2026 SWA Summer Student Program: From Airport to Great Park Envisioning The Future For Santa Monica Airport Occupying 227 acres at the southeastern edge of the City of Santa Monica, Santa Monica Airport is the largest public parcel within the City’s boundary. In 2014, the voters approved Measure LC, which limited new development on the Airport land and prioritized parks, public open spaces, and public recreational facilities. Although the airport is currently operating at limited capacity, its full closure is expected after December 31, 2028. In the past two years, the City has undertaken a robust public outreach process, garnering the community’s input to develop a vision centered on a “Great Park.” Following the guiding principles set forth by the community and adopted City policy – Start with Nature, Inspire Wonder, Balance Economics, Amplify Versatility, and Celebrate Place – these concepts will be used as a foundation in creating a sustainable and economically realistic framework for a great park serving the current and future generations. For the past 50 years, SWA’s Summer Student Program has gathered emerging designers from a wide range of backgrounds to explore critical questions influencing the design industry at large—many of whom have become leaders within the firm and discipline. Each year, we invite full-time, upper-level undergraduate and graduate students in landscape architecture, urban planning, urban design, and architecture to apply. Applicants must be returning to their academic program in the following school year, meaning recent graduates are ineligible. Program locations and subject matter vary by year, but include a stipend and housing for the full duration of eight weeks. The program is an in-person commitment including site visits, lectures, discussions, and critiques. Important dates Submission deadline: March 7, 2026 Notification: Mid-March, 2026 Internship: June 1–July 31, 2026 Selected applicants will receive a stipend and housing for the eight-week duration of the summer student program.

Requirements

Must be a full-time, upper-level undergraduate or graduate student in landscape architecture, urban planning, urban design, or architecture.
Applicants must be returning to their academic program in the following school year (recent graduates are ineligible).
1 minute introductory video
Letter of interest
Resume
Contact information for 2–3 references
Portfolio (max. 10 pages)
Electronic submissions only