The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
elements of rural permaculture design
representation of up to 5 zones
detailed representation of Zones 1 to 3
sector analysis
bioregional analysis
superimposing of design over commercial aerial photograph or other geospatial representation
principles of permaculture
strategies in rural permaculture design, such as:
land shaping including contour ploughing, swaling, keyline dam systems, berms and terraces
integrated plant and animal systems that suit the bioregion and the land
natural system preservation and incorporation into overall design
soil and water preservation
forest ecology and recharge plantings for maximum water and nutrient cycling
innovative agricultural systems such as cell grazing, inter-cropping, commons and food forests
preservation of old and rare breeds of animals
biodiversity and habitat preservation and enhancement strategies
design brief
statement of scope of design
statement of client needs and requirements
listing of project elements
listing of assessable tasks
options for dealing with client needs and requirements
design analysis and research
investigation of permaculture books and publications, online material, audio and video material, maps, plans, charts and tables
searches in libraries and databases
viewing maps
searching geospatial data
talking to people in the local area or neighbours
plan interpretation and map reading
site analysis
initial on-site estimations of soil type, pH, texture
topography
aspect
zone and sectors planning
existing vegetation
climatic factors
indicator species or other landscape-reading notes
site surveying methods and tools
surveying instruments for taking vertical measurements on site
surveying instruments for measuring angles on site
surveying instruments for measuring distance and horizontal measurements on site
design concept, such as:
preliminary conceptual sketches
bubble diagrams
preliminary plan, section and elevation design drawings
use of design drawing and drafting conventions
presentable and legible design drawings for client use
rural permaculture design
integration of brief requirements, analytical information and conceptual planning
rational justification for placement of design elements
integration of elements to produce an efficient and functional rural permaculture system
conventional design symbols and those to convey permaculture elements
design drafting and drawing conventions
plant and animal selection
final design
rendered plan, elevation and section drawings to scale
use of design drawing and drafting conventions
use of consistent graphic style
supporting legends and keys of elements
supporting materials lists, tables, bills of quantity, timelines, installation plans and management plans
construction detail drawings
methods of design
zone and sector planning
slope planning
patterns in space and time