Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to design integrated permaculture systems in a range of contexts including developing a design brief, undertaking a site analysis, developing conceptual designs and producing a final design. It includes knowledge of landscape, building and settlement design and working with specialists and professionals. It includes drawing plans and projections by hand as well as using computer aided drafting and design.
The preparation of an integrated permaculture system design requires detailed knowledge of permaculture design principles, the ability to transfer concepts to novel permaculture situations, strong evaluation and planning skills, landscape design skills and research capacities.
All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.
This unit applies to individuals who analyse information and exercise judgement to complete a range of advanced skilled activities and demonstrate deep knowledge in a specific technical area. They have accountability for the work of others and analyse, design and communicate solutions to a range of complex problems.
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 | 1.1 Initiate contact with the client when appropriate 1.2 Establish purpose, needs and requirements of design by consulting with client 1.3 Evaluate integrated permaculture design context and consider impacts of design stages, elements, functions and relationships 1.4 Develop a design brief in consultation with the client 1.5 Negotiate cost structures and timelines with the client 1.6 Evaluate and document cost structures and plan for budgeting limits and possibilities |
2. Undertake design analysis and base plan | 2.1 Obtain existing maps, geospatial data and aerial photographs of site 2.2 Survey and obtain social research data relevant to integrated permaculture design 2.3 Undertake field research supporting integrated permaculture design contexts and specific fields of inquiry, where required 2.4 Include Zones 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 in the survey area using survey tools and equipment 2.5 Prepare a base plan 2.6 Record site assessment factors on the base plan 2.7 Carry out analysis of the site and bioregional analysis of the local area |
3. Interpret site in permaculture terms | 3.1 Carry out research of potential permaculture design elements to assess their suitability for the site 3.2 Identify functional interconnections between elements to increase yield and minimise resource use 3.3 Choose permaculture design elements on the basis of research 3.4 Work with architects, builders and planners or other contractors who may be involved in the project 3.5 Revise brief with client in relation to research and analysis |
4. Prepare design concepts | 4.1 Determine appropriate concepts 4.2 Prepare concept design drawings to illustrate conceptual themes and patterns informing the location and layout of proposed design elements 4.3 Present chosen concepts in a consistent graphic style 4.4 Compile lists of materials and quantities 4.5 Prepare a list of plant and animal species and varieties suitable for chosen concepts 4.6 Prepare a preliminary budget for conceptual design |
5. Review the design concepts | 5.1 Review the concepts against permaculture principles and ethics 5.2 Prepare presentations of draft design concept options for the client 5.3 Undertake consultation with the client to agree on options and approaches for design development 5.4 Review and revise concepts, elements, budget and the design brief after taking feedback from the client |
6. Produce final design and integrated permaculture report | 6.1 Design integrated permaculture system appropriate to the design brief, available budget, research, analysis, chosen elements and concepts 6.2 Produce detailed permaculture design documents 6.3 Present design plans, drawings and permaculture design report documents to the client 6.4 Obtain feedback from the client and revise 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:
demonstrate drafting and drawing techniques
negotiate with clients
undertake a site analysis and site survey
provide urban and rural permaculture design solutions
analyse zones and sectors of a site
develop concepts
develop planting schedules and bills of quantity
develop a design budget
develop final design drawings including elevations and projections
design presentations
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
elements of integrated permaculture design
principles of integrated permaculture design
strategies for urban and rural permaculture design
strategies for building design and working with builders and architects
strategies for settlement design and working with planning authorities
design brief elements
statement of scope of design
statement of client needs and requirements
food production
system efficiency
system production
fibre, energy and building material production
water harvesting
waste treatment
energy planning and design
biodiversity habitat
soil carbon building
soil fertility
establishment of financial budget
establishment of time budget
maintenance of financial budget
maintenance of time budget
design of establishment documents
maintenance planning
sustainable commercial enterprises
social amenities
cultural considerations
list of project elements
list of assessable tasks
design analysis and research techniques
plan interpretation and map reading
site surveying methods and tools
onsite measurement of site boundaries
mapping of boundaries to scale to a plan drawing
onsite layout of 1m contour
mapping of contour lines to a scale plan drawing
measurement and location of existing infrastructure and natural features on site
mapping of existing infrastructure and natural features to a scale plan drawing
dumpy level or equivalent surveying instrument for taking vertical measurements on site
dumpy level or equivalent surveying instrument for measuring angles on site
GPS, satnav
measuring tapes for measuring distance on site.
design concepts and detailed design drawings
property boundaries, scale and north point
authors of plans, contact details
address of site
date plan drawn
existing infrastructure and natural features
drawing to scale
relevant overlays and drawing numbers
large format planning (at least A1 or A2)
overlays such as fire, flora and fauna, soil and geology, local planning ordinances, buffer and riparian zones, use zones
contour lines or other appropriate indication of slope direction and gradients
drainage features
Lot, DP, landowner address and contact details
permaculture design methods
conventional design symbols
design drafting and drawing conventions
computer-aided drafting and design
plant and animal selection
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs. Assessors must also have a nationally accredited 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)