BECOME A
PROFESSIONAL
PERMACULTURE
DESIGNER
Permaculture CAD* specialist Daniel Halsey takes you through a step-by-step journey to create professional-standard digital designs and learn the United Designers process.
This is a New Course format that now runs each quarter. With limited seats for the utmost personal guidance. The first one starts July the 1st, so don't miss your seat!
*Computer Assisted Design
SAVE TIME BY LEARNING
DIGITAL DESIGN
As technology evolves, designing has shifted from pencils to digital tools. Whether for homesteads or large-scale ecological restoration, United Designers offers a seamless and adaptive design process with advanced digital tools. Transitioning to digital can be daunting, especially with rising professional standards. United Designers supports your journey to higher levels of professional design, providing tools and a proven process to build your career.
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Recognizing the need for a collaborative approach, Daniel Halsey, Co-founder of United Designers International, created an advanced Ecological and Permaculture Design course. This platform guides you through each step of the design process, helping you build skills and expertise. By the course's end, you'll produce ecologically sound designs and meet professional standards, positioning you as a leading designer in the field.
- PLEASE NOTE, THAT THIS IS A NEW COURSE AND A NEW FORMAT -
UNITED DESIGNERS
PERMACULTURE & ECOLOGICAL
DESIGN SYSTEM
The design process is a step-by-step guide that deepens your understanding of a site at each phase. With 20 years of experience, Daniel Halsey has crafted a strategy for thorough assessment and planning, avoiding project fatigue and making each project a journey of discovery.
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Transitioning to digital design, you'll seamlessly integrate data into an easy-to-edit platform, from base maps to detailed site assessments. This scalable approach works for any project size, from small backyards to large 200-hectare sites, ensuring clarity and precision at every step.
Workflow
A phased approach and orderly process allow faster and increased expertise with each new project.
Layering
As we stack the information into our base maps, you can turn the layers on or off as you need them in making design decisions. Soil maps, contours, and more can be hidden or made transparent behind other features.
Detail
Each design element can be magnified for adding important detail and notes. Small perennials can be placed next to giant oaks in real time simply by zooming in.
Scale
Designs are accurate and set to a common scale. The vector design canvas is limitless in detail; from a few inches to more than 160 acres.
Drag and Drop
An extensive symbol library of plants allows for drag-and-drop placement. This helps to create complex polycultures and forest layers. Create your own library of common plants ready to be expanded each time you work.
Collaborate with Teams
Files can be shared for team design. Our common design platform and templates are supported by a vast community of designers. Work anywhere in the world.
- DESIGN EXAMPLES -
See many more Examples under our Projects Tab.
ABOUT DANIEL
Daniel is the Co-founder and Managing Director of United Designers International and leads its non-profit arm, United Designers International Foundation. He is also the Principal Partner of The Natural Capital Plant Database.
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With a B.S. in Temperate Climate Polyculture Design and an M.P.S. in Horticulture from the University of Minnesota, Daniel is a certified Permaculture and agro-ecosystems designer.
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His work in designing homesteads, communities, and ecological restoration projects is globally recognized.
Daniel teaches and consults in Haiti, Lebanon, Costa Rica, Canada, South Africa, Nepal, Senegal, the UK, the Netherlands, and across the U.S.
LEARN A SYSTEM THAT REALLY WORKS
Join us to master the art of ecological design, honed over two decades. This training is a gateway to a vital career in a field that the world urgently needs.
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Trying to learn ecological design on your own can be daunting and delay your impact on addressing global food and climate challenges.
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Learn and grow with us as part of a supportive community of experts. Whether you're aiming to become a specialist or a generalist, you’ll gain the skills and resources you need from United Designers International.
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When does it start?The new course format is scheduled to run quarterly, with limited seats available. You can purchase the course at any time, but full access will be provided at the start of each quarter. After you complete your payment, we will send a welcome letter. On the first day of the new quarter, you will receive an email granting you access to the course features and links. We will then enroll you in the course and provide links for Dropbox and chat groups. Please be patient, as there may be a slight delay due to time zone differences.
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What is new in this Course?This course now features many more and brand-new recordings in a tutorial format, making it easier to revisit specific training videos and topics. With a detailed, chronological workflow and a broader range of subjects, you'll find it simpler to build your skills. Plus, we’ve added weekly live check-ins to support you throughout your journey.
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Why are the access periods for the packages shorter?Years of experience have shown us that shorter training periods enhance focus and maintain high energy levels during check-ins. By condensing the course duration, we foster a more structured learning environment, ensuring that our support and attention align closely with your progress. Keep in mind that, upon the successful completion of the course, contingent upon meeting the required standard and the submission of all assignments., you have the opportunity to become a Member of United Designers International (UDI). This membership allows you to continue accessing the course modules and all our valuable resources, ensuring you remain connected and supported within our community.
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Does the technical, map building part of this package use Adobe Illustrator?Yes, the common platform UD uses for all design is Adobe Illustrator® (you can use other software if you want) but also other supporting software like Google Earth®, ​Microsoft Office®, Photoshop®, Acrobat®, Dropbox, and many online (free) resources.
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How do I go about scheduling 1 on 1 design support with Daniel?By direct messaging to set up a private Zoom session.​
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Is the WhatsApp group active and ongoing?24 hours a day you can message a question and Daniel or another designer will answer. Most UD members are online most of the time.
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When are the weekly Zoom meetings?Daniel and the team meet during weekly group Zoom sessions (Thursdays at 9 AM CST/ 4 PM CEST).
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How long do I have access?Depending on the subscription, 6 months for the Professional Package and 12 months for the Expert Package.
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How is this course different from a PDC?This professional course is designed for income generation and requires higher standards and more rigour than typical educational programs. We aim to cultivate international designers who can collaborate with us on projects. To achieve this, you need to master all processes and develop the expertise and efficiency to be a valuable asset both to yourself and to others. Patience is key—understand that reworking your designs will be necessary, just as in the real world, where multiple iterations are often needed to meet project goals.
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What equipment do I need?During the course, you can use any computer platform that suits you. However, we highly recommend a desktop computer with a large monitor for optimal experience. While working on a laptop is possible, it's best to connect it to a larger screen. A tablet equipped with a digital pencil is also suggested for digital drawing, as it offers precision and reduces stress compared to a mouse or trackpad. Additionally, ensure you have a high-speed internet connection, ample hard drive space, a computer with good graphics capabilities, and occasionally, access to a printer (though printers are not required for the course).
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Can I upgrade from a professional package to an expert package, at a later date?Yes, you can upgrade to the Expert Package at any time by paying the difference in cost. If you need more time beyond the initial six-month access, upgrading to the Expert level will extend your access to one year.
EXAMPLES OF STUDENT DESIGNS
COURSE MODULES
Module 1: Course background: Design Theory and Process for Ecological Design, Data Mining. Good Practices. A series of ecological design lectures for sustainable and ecologically supported solutions.
Module 2: Site Assessment: The Design brief and the Data table. Client interviews and an extensive deep dive on gathering all Ecological Data and collecting the right surveys.
Module 3: Plant Systems: Assessing and placing existing vegetation, searching and exporting new plant systems, formatting long lists and working with the Natural Capital Plant database. Delving into plant mechanisms and Ecological Functions & Human Uses.
Module 4: Adobe Illustrator: Scaling, Setting up your Workspace, Using Menus and the Toolbar. How to navigate Windows and Panels and use Effects. Basic tools, layers, and software operation: The structure and features of Al and how we use them in design Assignment: Practice symbols and graphic styles.
Module 5: The Basemap: Image Assembly, from County GIS, Google Earth, Web Soil Surveys and Drone flights. Working with and adding, Plat Maps, Construction Plans and Soil Maps. Adding Topography and Contour Lines. Water and Hydrology and putting in all the existing structures, utility lines, and other elements.
Module 6: The Title Block: Placing Art, using Art Boards and adding Callouts. Adding Climate data and Soil labels. Adjusting and placing Sector map and Sun Chart. Confirm width, type, and surface for the access paths, road, gates, and clearance.
Module 7: Functional Spaces and The Design Process: Smart Design. Following a process, the Scale of Permanence and the Patterns to Detail philosophy help bring the information needed to make good design solutions. Following the bubble/concept map, we refine and fill the spaces with the appropriate elements.
Module 8: Symbols and Libraries: How to Work with the UDI Symbol Libraries, Polycultures and Guilds, and how to create your own from scratch and create brushes for linear Plants.
Module 9: The Final Draft Design: Final Design and Narrative. Finishing your Title Block, Saving, Sharing and Publishing. How to calculate Plants and Materials, label the Design Elements and create other graphics to show relationships and resources. And of course, the opportunity to present your Final Design to the Class.
COURSE OPTIONS
LEARN THE SKILLS YOU NEED TO HELP YOU SUCCEED
Our New Course now runs each quarter. With limited seats for the utmost personal guidance. The next one starts on January the 1st, so don't miss your seat!
Professional Package
1,750
Full Designer Toolbox
Valid for 6 months
This supported-learning option provides you with the full designer's toolbox & expert feedback from Daniel Halsey to launch or upgrade your design career. Basic familiarity with Adobe Illustrator® or similar Vector software recommended.
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Full Course Access [for 6 Months)
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Direct feedback from Daniel on all course assignments
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6 months access to Natural Capital Plant Database [designer tier]
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6 months of access to United Designers Assessment and planning tools, plant symbols & template libraries.
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6 months access to the weekly UDI designer check-ins and P2P Feedback.
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Certification upon the successful completion of the course, contingent upon meeting the required standard and the submission of all assignments.
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Access and use of all symbol libraries, graphics and tutorials after completion of your course, can be continued with annual licensing.
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Access to the UDI professional Network
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Eligibility for UDI membership, after certification.
Best Value
Expert Package
2,150
Expert Mentorship
Valid for 12 months
Everything the Professional Package [value $ 1750.00] has access to but is extended to 1 year. Including one-on-one mentorship from Daniel and UDI professionals, plus business support. Basic familiarity with Adobe Illustrator® or similar Vector software is recommended.
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1-year Full Course Access
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1-year access to the weekly UDI designer check-ins and P2P Feedback.
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Certification upon the successful completion of the course, contingent upon meeting the required standard and the submission of all assignments.
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Access and use of all symbol libraries, graphics and tutorials after completion of your course, can be continued with annual licensing.
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One-on-one mentorship from Daniel and UDI professionals, plus business support.
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Access to the UDI professional network eligibility for UDI membership, after certification.
15 min
-LIVE COURSES-
EVERY NOW AND THEN A LIVE COURSE IS PLANNED.
SUBSCRIBE TO STAY INFORMED. DO YOU HAVE MORE THAN 10 ATTENDEES YOURSELF ALREADY, CONTACT US AND WE MIGHT BE ABLE TO PLAN AN EVENT.
TESTIMONIALS
Dan's design course has been a total game-changer for doing professional permaculture design. After starting our permaculture business. we searched for tools and procedures to help clearly communicate our designs to clients and stakeholders. I was delighted to find that Dan had developed a platform to guide us during our design process and produce a stunning digital design
Following Dan's instruction, I was able to quickly learn the software and workflow to start rendering my concepts and designs in an elegant and digestible way The design process coupled with the Natural Capital Plant Database gives you everything you need to confidently carry out ecological design for any circumstance The course has introduced me to a network of designers from across the world and I've learned a skill set that will serve me on every project going forward.
This course is an invaluable contribution to the field of professional permaculture and ecological design
CHASE JONES
Biodesic Strategies, Fayetteville, Arkansas
I highly recommend this class. I had done design work on paper via technical drawing and took this class to make it easier to communicate with clients, give my work a more professional look, and make design changes easier during the process. This class far surpassed my expectations. The functionality of using Illustrator as a design communication tool is worth the cost of the class alone. The look of the finished product from this class is cleaner, clearer, and more professional-looking than what I have seen from design work from other companies. When I have had to adjust the design work based on client feedback, the process with illustrator is so much quicker and easier than what I've done in the past as well. While that was why I took the class and any one of those points would be worth the cost, I also learned a good deal about improving the design process, the designs themselves, and client communication. This is after having taken several PDCs and advanced PDCs This class is well worth it, and I definitely recommend it for anyone wishing to take their design work to a higher level. Dan is engaging, enjoyable to learn from, and very knowledgeable.
MIKE LYNN
Eastern Ecosystems LLC
Dan's design course is invaluable. I had very little experience in Illustrator and was trying to hack my way into a professional-looking design. I knew what I wanted to design in my head, but my digital expression of it was elementary
His course is easy to follow and comprehensive, teaching you all skills and tricks you need to know to create outstanding professional designs, setting you apart from other designers. His course gave me the confidence to sell my designs knowing I was delivering a quality product to my clients
VALERIE STOW
Grand Junction, Colorado
Here in Germany, we don't have any Permaculture courses regarding computer-assisted design. I always found it difficult to draw communicative plans since I never learned how to draw. However, I've always had an affinity towards working with software and the course seemed like a way to integrate digital design methods, tools, data as well as traditional methods and data assessment into one whole. For me personally, the course was worth every penny I am quite a self-paced learner and therefore worked with the provided videos in the beginning and then attended the live sessions which put all the video content into the context of Dan's actual design work. There's always the possibility to ask questions and learn from the more advanced students and designers. Buying the 'Advanced Pro Package'·was not just buying a part of my education but becoming part of a community of people who support each other in making the most of their designs, improving their quality, and most of all having a lot of fun while doing it. I am proud and happy to someday become a part of that international community of designers and practitioners
RENÉ FRANZ
Permakultur-Gestalter [Basisjahr Permakultur-Design PKA] Germany
Finished your PDC and looking for the next step? Do yourself a favor and take Dan's digital design course!
Before I took the course, my hand-drawing skills were holding me back from effectively communicating my ideas and creating professional designs. Learning how to create designs digitally unlocked a world of possibilities for me. Dan shares the entire system and resources he developed for his own professional design career. By seeing this whole process, I now feel confident in launching a design career of my own. The online portion let me go at my own pace, but the weekly in-person meetings kept me connected and allowed for feedback and camaraderie. I feel so grateful to have taken this course and to have acquired to tools needed to unlock my potential as a digital designer.
KELLY BULL
Kelly Bull Gardens, Arizona, USA
Daniel Halsey, together with United Designers is setting new standards when it comes to visualizing Permaculture and Regenerative Designs. This course not only shows you how to do professional designs to an industry standard for your clients with Adobe Illustrator but is packed with loads of expert information on Permaculture, different processes, and software tools. Daniel shares his extensive experience freely and you will get first-hand information on how to become a professional Permaculture Designer. I haven't ·seen any similar courses yet, especially when it comes to making highly professional and visually appealing maps Very much recommended"
LUKAS JEDNICKI
permacult.de
