LOM is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the Karla Roman Travel Bursary 2026. An annual £2,500 award designed to support student travel that enriches and expands design thinking. Established in memory of architect Karla Roman, the bursary honours her belief in travel as a powerful catalyst for deepening architectural understanding and broadening creative perspective. The award is open to both UK and international students studying architecture, interior design, or related built environment disciplines, at undergraduate or postgraduate level, whether full- or part-time.
LOM invites creative and thoughtful proposals for travel taking place between June and November 2026. The bursary may be used to support a wide range of activities. Including research, design exploration, material studies, and cultural immersion. Applications will be assessed based on imagination, clarity of intent, and demonstrated financial need.
Application Requirements are as follows:
Applicants are asked to submit the following materials by Friday, 24 April 2026 to mail(Replace this parenthesis with the @ sign)lom-studio.com:
CV
Reference letter
Proposal (maximum 650 words, excluding budget spreadsheet), including:
o Personal context (250 words): Explanation of individual circumstances and why this
opportunity is meaningful
o Academic impact (200 words): How the bursary will enhance the applicant’s studies
o Travel plan (200 words): Intended destination(s), timing, and inspiration for the chosen
location
Budget outline for the proposed trip (recommended as an Excel spreadsheet) Previous recipient
The 2025 bursary recipient, Yagoda Smulska, undertook research exploring modernist architecture. Her journey included a visit to Brasília to study the city’s spatial logic. As well as social thresholds, followed by travel across the UK and Europe, including Prague, Vienna, Rome, and Venice, tracing the legacy of modernist design.
Post-Award engagement
The successful applicant will be invited to LOM’s studio to present their work, sharing insights into how the bursary-supported travel has contributed to their academic and creative development. LOM extends its sincere thanks to Karla Roman’s former partner for his generous donation, which continues to make this opportunity possible.