Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to design a rural permaculture system. It requires the ability to negotiate with clients to develop a permaculture design brief, undertake a site analysis, develop design concepts and produce final design documentation.
All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.
This unit applies to individuals who take responsibility for their own work and for the quality of the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Develop a design brief for a rural permaculture system | 1.1 Initiate or respond to contact with the client 1.2 Consult with the client to establish purpose, needs and requirements of design 1.3 Develop a design brief in consultation 1.4 Negotiate cost structures and timelines |
2. Undertake design analysis | 2.1 Obtain existing maps, geospatial data and aerial photographs of property 2.2 Survey area included in Zones 1, 2 and 3 using suitable survey tools and equipment 2.3 Prepare a base plan 2.4 Record site assessment data on the base plan 2.5 Carry out bioregional analysis of the site 2.6 Carry out research into potential permaculture design elements 2.7 Choose permaculture design elements 2.8 Revise brief with client in relation to completed research and analysis |
3. Prepare a design concept | 3.1 Evaluate and determine a permaculture system concept 3.2 Prepare conceptual design drawings to illustrate conceptual themes and patterns informing the location and layout of proposed design elements 3.3 Develop and compile a bill of quantities 3.4 Prepare a list of plant and animal species and varieties suitable for the chosen concept 3.5 Prepare a preliminary budget for the conceptual design 3.6 Present the concept plan in a graphic style 3.7 Consult the client and agree on options and approaches for design development 3.8 Review and revise concepts, elements and the design brief after taking feedback from the client |
4. Produce final design | 4.1 Design the rural permaculture system in accordance with the design brief, research, analysis, chosen elements and concepts 4.2 Produce detailed rural permaculture design documents 4.3 Present design plans, drawings and documents to the client 4.4 Take feedback from the client and revise or modify the design as required |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.
The candidate must provide evidence that they can:
develop a design brief for a rural permaculture system
draw permaculture and landscape plans
identify rural permaculture design solutions
develop permaculture system concepts
develop planting schedules, budget and bills of quantity
develop a final design
present design to client
Evidence of Knowledge
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
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs. Assessors must also hold a nationally accredited Certificate IV or Diploma of Permaculture. Completion of a Permaculture Design Course (PDC) or non-accredited Permaculture Diploma is not sufficient at this level.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Permaculture (PER)