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Permaculture Design: A Step by Step Guide
Are you excited about permaculture but unclear how to put it into practice for yourself? In this unique, full colour guide, experienced permaculture teacher Aranya leads you through the design process from beginning to end, using clear explanations, flowcharts and diagrams. It is based on course worksheets which have been designed, refined and tested on students over time. Linking theory to practice, he places the ethics, principles, philosophies, tools and techniques directly into the context of the process itself. While written for anyone with a basic grasp of permaculture, this book also has plenty to offer the more experienced designer.
This guide covers: Systems and patterns Working as part of a design team Land and non-land based design Design frameworks Site surveying and map making Interviewing clients Working with large client groups Identifying functions Choosing systems and elements Placement and integration Creating a design proposal Project management Presenting your ideas to clients and much more.
A great reference for anyone who has done, or is thinking of doing, any kind of permaculture course.
This guide covers: Systems and patterns Working as part of a design team Land and non-land based design Design frameworks Site surveying and map making Interviewing clients Working with large client groups Identifying functions Choosing systems and elements Placement and integration Creating a design proposal Project management Presenting your ideas to clients and much more.
A great reference for anyone who has done, or is thinking of doing, any kind of permaculture course.
208 pages, Paperback
First published September 3, 2012
85 people are currently reading
735 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 3, 2013
A great book for someone who is already a permaculture expert and wants to do designs for others. Not so helpful if you are still learning what permaculture involves, and mainly for personal use.
January 10, 2015
Simply so far for me one if the best read-able permaculture books available today. And there are hundreds of permaculture books. Of course the "Permaculture: A designers manual" bible by Bill Mollison is awesome but it's not created to be read like a book. It's more something like a bible and a manual. This is what I enjoyed about this book is that there is a look of know how but it's still very easy to read even for a non English mother tongue reader like myself. Indeed there was a little to much information regarding the POV of a permaculture designer with clients for my flavor but it's all first hand experience so it's also valuable to understand how the process works from the other point of view.
May 25, 2017
Permaculture Design focuses on the planning and designing phases of building a permaculture garden/farm. It does include a very small section on farm maintenance but it does not include any advice on food production itself.
The book would be more useful for people who are ready to build their own farms (already acquired their parcels of land), or ready to take on the role of a consultant. The book takes the readers through step-by-step process of designing permaculture farms. People who find the initial stages of building a farm overwhelming could benefit from this book as it goes into details on surveying, mapping, observing the land, etc.
Aranya writes this book from a consultant’s perspective. A great portion of the book addresses the importance of planner-client communication and provides advice on how to effectively present your ideas to the clients.
The language Aranya uses is very simple, almost too simplistic. It’s written for people without any prior knowledge or experience in farming, environmental science, land planning or any other relevant studies. It is strictly a guidebook and no more. He also heavily references Bill Mollison's books on permaculture. I think Bill Mollison’s books would discuss much more in depth the subject of permaculture practices as a whole.
I give this book a solid 2 stars.
The book would be more useful for people who are ready to build their own farms (already acquired their parcels of land), or ready to take on the role of a consultant. The book takes the readers through step-by-step process of designing permaculture farms. People who find the initial stages of building a farm overwhelming could benefit from this book as it goes into details on surveying, mapping, observing the land, etc.
Aranya writes this book from a consultant’s perspective. A great portion of the book addresses the importance of planner-client communication and provides advice on how to effectively present your ideas to the clients.
The language Aranya uses is very simple, almost too simplistic. It’s written for people without any prior knowledge or experience in farming, environmental science, land planning or any other relevant studies. It is strictly a guidebook and no more. He also heavily references Bill Mollison's books on permaculture. I think Bill Mollison’s books would discuss much more in depth the subject of permaculture practices as a whole.
I give this book a solid 2 stars.
July 23, 2025
I gave it 4 stars, but for me it was 3. The 4th star was for those who have clients. I do not.
Also, I am so done with permaculture books that think gardens and orchards are permaculture. I learned that permaculture is permanent agriculture, meaning you take care of it for 1 or 2 years, then it takes care of itself. In fact, one book or video in my early learning stressed that gardens and orchards are NOT permaculture (unless they can take care of themselves in a couple of years).
Like the other book I read, this one is based in Australia with England/UK also being mentioned.
Also, I am not interested in how to do permaculture around houses. I want "real" permaculture, where I have 3 or 5 or 10 or more acres where I can see what I can do - what *permaculture* plants grow there, where I can experiment with swales and half-moons.
I have to say that this book seemed to give more practical advice than the other one I read. Still, I did not completely finish this one, either.
Also, I am so done with permaculture books that think gardens and orchards are permaculture. I learned that permaculture is permanent agriculture, meaning you take care of it for 1 or 2 years, then it takes care of itself. In fact, one book or video in my early learning stressed that gardens and orchards are NOT permaculture (unless they can take care of themselves in a couple of years).
Like the other book I read, this one is based in Australia with England/UK also being mentioned.
Also, I am not interested in how to do permaculture around houses. I want "real" permaculture, where I have 3 or 5 or 10 or more acres where I can see what I can do - what *permaculture* plants grow there, where I can experiment with swales and half-moons.
I have to say that this book seemed to give more practical advice than the other one I read. Still, I did not completely finish this one, either.
February 15, 2016
This is perfect 'next-step' book for anyone who has read an introductory book (or three) about permaculture and is really excited about the possibilities but a little stuck on the process. This book grew out of a workshop for permaculture design in great Britain and so some of the specific resources are for that area, but the author does a wonderful job of stating and explaining everything in general terms and without too-specific examples so that the information is applicable anywhere.
The book walks you step-by-step through the (sometimes exhausting) design process, starting with a site survey and map-making moving into site observations and making overlay maps and finishing with site analysis and integration of various design elements. This is an indispensable guide to start your permaculture design process.
The book walks you step-by-step through the (sometimes exhausting) design process, starting with a site survey and map-making moving into site observations and making overlay maps and finishing with site analysis and integration of various design elements. This is an indispensable guide to start your permaculture design process.
August 6, 2013
Wenderlynn's review:
I read this book before going on a PDC with Aranya. I found it very clear and extremely useful in my journey to doing permaculture design. He breaks down each section with clarity, giving you confidence to get out there and do it.
Having now done the PDC with Aranya I have found the book to be a very important asset in working on designs for others and for our own piece of land. It has reinforced what I learned on my PDC and is a nice addition to a course should you do one. I found the last chapter to be especially thought provoking.
If you are just starting out in permaculture I recommend you read an introductory book first such as 'Getting Started in Permaculture' by Ross and Jenny Mars or 'Permaculture in a Nutshell' by Patrick Whitefield.
I read this book before going on a PDC with Aranya. I found it very clear and extremely useful in my journey to doing permaculture design. He breaks down each section with clarity, giving you confidence to get out there and do it.
Having now done the PDC with Aranya I have found the book to be a very important asset in working on designs for others and for our own piece of land. It has reinforced what I learned on my PDC and is a nice addition to a course should you do one. I found the last chapter to be especially thought provoking.
If you are just starting out in permaculture I recommend you read an introductory book first such as 'Getting Started in Permaculture' by Ross and Jenny Mars or 'Permaculture in a Nutshell' by Patrick Whitefield.
July 25, 2018
It was a joy to find this book after many years of reading the often theory based and somewhat academic works written by the co-founders of permaculture. (Don't get me wrong. These foundation books are essential reading for anyone interested in permaculture but they are a high mountain to climb!)
Aranya offers exactly what the cover says: A step by step guide to permaculture design that anyone could use. If you have some knowledge of permaculture and want some assistance with designing your own property then this book will lead you through the process. For beginning designers it provides a useful model for starting your designing practice.
I think the book does not review as well as it might because the first section is somewhat tangential. Skip to section two for the practical stuff.
Aranya offers exactly what the cover says: A step by step guide to permaculture design that anyone could use. If you have some knowledge of permaculture and want some assistance with designing your own property then this book will lead you through the process. For beginning designers it provides a useful model for starting your designing practice.
I think the book does not review as well as it might because the first section is somewhat tangential. Skip to section two for the practical stuff.
February 28, 2021
Fantastic book! Was incredibly helpful to refer to while doing an introduction to permaculture course. Since drawing my first base map I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it and adding new things to the design. Even if your knowledge is just a bit of internet research on permaculture, I think this book is a fantastic tool to help get you started in design/implementation.
October 17, 2019
The book is literally a design manual, occasionally very technical, with lots of flowcharts and step-by -step explanations. More useful for a professional than for amateur enthusiast.
January 11, 2026
Book #3 of 2026. "Permaculture Design" by Aranya. 3/5 rating. 186 p.
This book preaches the concept that every action follows the pattern: Observe, Think/Reflect, Design, Implement in a continual loop, restarting at Observe each time
"In permaculture, as long as we learn, we suffer no 'failures'."
"Don't just do something, stand there..."
"The first part of the process is simply to observe - NO designing!"
Determine the different zones of interaction as they currently exist: from zone 0 (the house) to zone 5 (wild areas that are rarely accessed). Also determine the sectors, which are energy flows - like sun paths, wind directions, sheltered areas - as well as looking at water availability, soil health, and other limiting factors.
Then move onto the person who will be using the space - possibly you? What are their goals? Their habits? What resources do they have? Are there limitations that the person is dealing with on the land?
"For instance if we thought an apple tree would be appropriate, why were we choosing it? Was it because it would feed us? Or stabilise the soil? Or provide an income? Give us shade? Provide good forage for bees? Or just look beautiful when it blossoms in the spring?"
Start analyzing different aspects of the environment: what connections can be made, how can you meet your goals on the land? What other ways can this be done? Ensure that each critical need is met though multiple pathways, and that each choice on the land provides multiple benefits.
Lastly, once the design has been implemented, make sure that there is a plan for ongoing evaluation and maintenance.
This book was a quick overview of how to begin thinking about permaculture design. I did appreciate the different questions that are asked to spur deeper thinking, as well as the discussion of map-making that is important as you play with different designs.
Quotes:
"Permaculture design is not a random collection of good ideas, it's a process. It starts with the receptive stage of observing and listening, goes through the creative stage of making design decisions and leads on to implementation on the ground and to reflection in whether the odd tweak here or there might not be appropriate."
"Permaculture design is a system of assembling conceptual, material and strategic components in a pattern which functions to benefit life in all its forms." - Bill Mollison
"Through analysis, our challenge is to design and establish a system where the energy needed to maintain it decreases over time, while its outputs increase."
"Remember we aim to invest as much as 80% of our time and energy in establishing it, so we onlt need 20% to maintain it. A low maintenance or high efficiency design should always be an intended outcome, not just an occasionally chosen function."
"Start now - at your back door, or windowsill if you have no garden. Do *something*. Small is just fine if that's all you currently have time for; Bill Mollison encourages us to *work out from well managed areas*, so work within your capacity to increase your chance of success. Successes inspire further action. Failures make you wiser. *Either way you win*."
This book preaches the concept that every action follows the pattern: Observe, Think/Reflect, Design, Implement in a continual loop, restarting at Observe each time
"In permaculture, as long as we learn, we suffer no 'failures'."
"Don't just do something, stand there..."
"The first part of the process is simply to observe - NO designing!"
Determine the different zones of interaction as they currently exist: from zone 0 (the house) to zone 5 (wild areas that are rarely accessed). Also determine the sectors, which are energy flows - like sun paths, wind directions, sheltered areas - as well as looking at water availability, soil health, and other limiting factors.
Then move onto the person who will be using the space - possibly you? What are their goals? Their habits? What resources do they have? Are there limitations that the person is dealing with on the land?
"For instance if we thought an apple tree would be appropriate, why were we choosing it? Was it because it would feed us? Or stabilise the soil? Or provide an income? Give us shade? Provide good forage for bees? Or just look beautiful when it blossoms in the spring?"
Start analyzing different aspects of the environment: what connections can be made, how can you meet your goals on the land? What other ways can this be done? Ensure that each critical need is met though multiple pathways, and that each choice on the land provides multiple benefits.
Lastly, once the design has been implemented, make sure that there is a plan for ongoing evaluation and maintenance.
This book was a quick overview of how to begin thinking about permaculture design. I did appreciate the different questions that are asked to spur deeper thinking, as well as the discussion of map-making that is important as you play with different designs.
Quotes:
"Permaculture design is not a random collection of good ideas, it's a process. It starts with the receptive stage of observing and listening, goes through the creative stage of making design decisions and leads on to implementation on the ground and to reflection in whether the odd tweak here or there might not be appropriate."
"Permaculture design is a system of assembling conceptual, material and strategic components in a pattern which functions to benefit life in all its forms." - Bill Mollison
"Through analysis, our challenge is to design and establish a system where the energy needed to maintain it decreases over time, while its outputs increase."
"Remember we aim to invest as much as 80% of our time and energy in establishing it, so we onlt need 20% to maintain it. A low maintenance or high efficiency design should always be an intended outcome, not just an occasionally chosen function."
"Start now - at your back door, or windowsill if you have no garden. Do *something*. Small is just fine if that's all you currently have time for; Bill Mollison encourages us to *work out from well managed areas*, so work within your capacity to increase your chance of success. Successes inspire further action. Failures make you wiser. *Either way you win*."
June 3, 2022
This is a fun little introductory book breaking down how the process to DESIGN a site with permaculture principles in mind.
I liked that it is simple, readable, and has fun annotations and hand drawn pictures to draw you in. That said, it suffers from trying to be a little too much - the review of goal-setting or design process fundamentals could be complete books in their own right.
If you are looking for a book that will tell you practically what to do, this is not it. But if you are looking for a book to get you thinking about what questions you should be asking yourself, it is a great jumping off point, with a helpful list of resources at the end for you to go deeper on any of the topics.
Normally a 3-star rating would get sent to Goodwill, but this little guy will probably stay on my shelf for when the mood strikes and I’m seeking inspiration on what to think about next.
I liked that it is simple, readable, and has fun annotations and hand drawn pictures to draw you in. That said, it suffers from trying to be a little too much - the review of goal-setting or design process fundamentals could be complete books in their own right.
If you are looking for a book that will tell you practically what to do, this is not it. But if you are looking for a book to get you thinking about what questions you should be asking yourself, it is a great jumping off point, with a helpful list of resources at the end for you to go deeper on any of the topics.
Normally a 3-star rating would get sent to Goodwill, but this little guy will probably stay on my shelf for when the mood strikes and I’m seeking inspiration on what to think about next.
April 2, 2023
This one is far more focused on large site design and concepts for professional level design. That said it seems like it is trying to be a low-key less stressful explanation than the textbook level books. I don’t hate it, but I feel like it is not that helpful for small garden level implementation while also not being anything as technical or complete as the more formal books. I feel like it is in a weird place compared to the other books I have gone through on this topic. It is not quite fish nor fowl and I don’t think I found a single concept that this book explains better than others.
June 9, 2020
Written step by step of permaculture
August 6, 2020
A permaculture book that will help with the PDC. It's more of a guide with a lot of information that will be taught in class.
October 30, 2020
A good general overview and guide to permaculture design. Nothing sparklingly new, but a solid introduction.
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July 11, 2022[PFDC] M2. Site Assessment --> Surveying the Site
June 8, 2023
prescriptive book about how to go about perma
September 4, 2023
Not for beginners or anyone trying to adopt permaculture into their day to day life. Pictures drastically lowered quality of book.
August 19, 2025
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January 4, 2015This book touches on the Six Thinking Hats tool for group discussion & individual thinking.
April 14, 2018
This wasn't the How-to book I expected it to be. Instead, it was more an instruction about how to set yourself up teaching permaculture. As this wasn't something that interested me, it follows that this wasn't really a book that I had much interest in.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews