Diploma of Site Design
The Diploma of Site Design honors achievement and excellence in the design of whole systems at all scales. It entails work with landscapes, mapping, and physical systems as well as their integration with invisible structures such as laws, codes, beliefs, information, finances, and organizational design.
Please review how the Diploma Program works so you will understand what is expected of you, and what you can expect of PINA. Diplomas are awarded to applicants who demonstrate experience and ability at a professional level. The program is based in self-directed learning; PINA classes, webinars, and workshops do not automatically apply toward the diploma. You will need to meet your Action Learning goals in ways that you and your Field Advisor consider appropriate. PINA will connect you with a Field Advisor suited to your program who can support you through your journey.
Once your application is accepted, your Field Advisor will meet with you to discuss your current qualifications and together you will develop an Action Learning Plan in order to meet all of the Diploma requirements. Upon completion of the Action Learning Plan, you will submit a Portfolio to PINA for review and earn your Diploma!
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Portfolio
Your portfolio must include the following documents:
- Completed Action Learning Plan
- Documentation of Advanced Coursework
- Documentation of Permaculture Design Work for 10 permaculture designs
- Two written references from PINA-recognized design diplomates with whom you have worked
- Two written references from your clients or employers
Additional documentation if applicable:
- Bibliography of publications
- Roster of public outreach activities
- Professional awards
- Additional supporting evidence, such as field reports or photos
Action Learning Plan
Developed with the guidance of the field advisor, the plan may entail mentoring, internships, paid work, self-directed projects, and direct instruction. A completed Action Learning Plan also includes documentation of how you implement permaculture in your personal life, including the design and status of your home site and livelihood. This item illustrates permaculture ethics in action.
Advanced Coursework
Participation in a PINA-recognized Advanced Permaculture Design Course or other advanced permaculture course is highly recommended, and may be required by the field advisor.
Permaculture Design Work
Completion of 10 comprehensive permaculture client-based designs and/or community project designs are required. Portfolio must include evidence of the ability to present design work in an organized, timely, articulate manner.
Team-based design work is encouraged. Demonstration of skills is required that connect design to the real world, including problem solving ability, budgeting, generating estimates and scheduling.
Design Experience Requirements
You must demonstrate a broad diversity of design experience to earn a Diploma of Site Design. The criteria listed below serves as a guide for assessing the diversity of your design projects, and may assist in developing your Action Learning Plan to achieve more varied design experience.
One or more of these requirements may be waived at the discretion of the field advisor, in consideration of your unique circumstances or challenges.
Tangibility
At least 5 designs for physical sites
At least 2 designs for invisible structures
Staff
At least 2 designs completed in a partnership or team At least 2 designs completed solo
Scale
At least 1 design for less than 1/4 acre At least 1 design for 1/4 – 3 acres At least 1 design for greater than 3 acres
Density
At least 1 urban design At least 1 suburban design At least 1 rural design
Bioregion
At least 1 design outside the candidate’s home bioregion
Clients
At least 2 designs for a private residence At least 1 design for a business enterprise At least 1 design for an institution At least 1 design for a community project
Compensation
At least 1 design completed as a paid professional At least 1 design completed as a volunteer
Implementation
At least 5 designs substantially implemented
Design Submission Format
Provide each of the 10 designs electronically in the following format.
1. Project Overview
Vision statements/ethics
Notes on client interview
Goal statement/design aims
Icon or symbol for the project (optional)
2. Documentation of Existing Site
Base map for the entire site, including neighbors at the edges
Blow-up maps for area(s) of intensive design (as needed)
Elevations, sandbox or models (as needed)
Photos
Species lists
Diagram of current invisible structures
Document features (soils, water rights, liens, easements, building codes, etc)
Additional notes on observation and research
3. Site Analysis
Overlay Chart of Sectors
Overlay Chart of Current Zones of Use
Overlay Charts of Microclimates, etc. (as needed)
4. Design Methods
Charts of Needs/Yields, Pattern Language, other methods (as needed)
5. Final Design
Overlay Chart of Design Features
Blow-ups, elevations, models, charts, etc. (as needed)
Overlay Chart of Proposed Zones of Use (as needed)
Diagram of Proposed Invisible Structures (as needed)
Bubble Chart showing connections among the design features
6. Implementation Plan
Priorities
Phases/Time line
Budget and Materials
Diploma Fee Schedule
The time required to complete your diploma will vary based on your prior experience and the level of dedication you put into the program. If you have recently taken a PDC and signed up for the Diploma program, it will likely take around 3 years to complete all requirements, though individual timelines may differ.
The estimated cost to receive a Diploma from PINA is $875, broken down as follows:
- $75/year at the Professionals & Diplomates Membership level (for projected 3 years $225 total)
- $200: Diploma program application fee.
- $450: Portfolio review fee, due at final submission
Fast-Track Fees:
- $75/year at the Professionals & Diplomates Membership level
- $200: Diploma program application fee
Experienced-Track Fees:
- $20/year at the Student & Volunetters Membership level
- $350: Diploma program application fee
Fees for field advisor and mentors (6-12 hours per year at a PINA recommended rate of $60/hour) are not included. Tuition for PDCs and advanced trainings are also not included.