Business Details
Sustainable Landscape Design & Permaculture Solutions
At PermaDesign, we specialize in creating sustainable outdoor environments that harmonize technology and ecology. Our approach leverages computerized mapping tools and permaculture principles to design landscapes that are productive, beautiful, and tailored to each property's unique potential. With expertise in water harvesting, erosion control, and edible gardening, we empower clients to transform their spaces into regenerative ecosystems.Our team combines decades of experience in landscape architecture, permaculture design, and environmental education to deliver solutions that enhance both property value and ecological health. We prioritize site-specific strategies that align with natural patterns, ensuring long-term resilience and functionality for residential and commercial clients alike.
Services
Water Harvesting
Erosion Control
Greywater Systems
Edible Landscaping
Permaculture Design
Lawn Alternatives
Compost Systems
Windbreak Installation
Outdoor Living Spaces
Stormwater Management
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of experience in permaculture-based landscape design
- Our team includes licensed landscape architects and certified permaculture designers
- We implement proven water harvesting techniques to reduce resource consumption
- We provide site-specific solutions tailored to local climate and ecology
- We combine modern technology with traditional ecological knowledge
Services
Water Harvesting
Our water harvesting systems capture and utilize rainwater to create sustainable landscapes. We design custom solutions that reduce municipal water use while nourishing plants and replenishing groundwater. This practice supports drought resilience and lowers utility costs for property owners.
Permaculture Design
We apply permaculture principles to create self-sustaining ecosystems that mimic natural patterns. Our designs integrate plant guilds, soil building techniques, and renewable resource management to maximize productivity while minimizing maintenance requirements for long-term ecological benefits.
Erosion Control
Our erosion control solutions prevent soil degradation through strategic vegetation and earthworks. We implement swales, terraces, and living barriers that stabilize slopes while creating functional growing spaces that enhance property value and environmental health.
Greywater Recycling
We design safe, code-compliant greywater systems that repurpose household wastewater for landscape irrigation. These systems reduce water consumption and utility bills while maintaining healthy vegetation through natural filtration processes that enhance soil biology.
Edible Landscaping
Our edible landscapes combine aesthetic beauty with food production through carefully planned plant combinations. We create productive spaces that yield fruits, vegetables, and herbs while maintaining ecological balance and enhancing biodiversity in residential and commercial settings.
People
Nate Downey
Principal
Author of 'Harvest the Rain' and permaculture expert with 15+ years designing regenerative landscapes. Specializes in water management systems and sustainable community development through practical, scalable ecological solutions.
Melissa McDonald
Principal
Licensed Landscape Architect and certified permaculture designer with 25+ years experience. Former New Mexico water policy advisor who integrates ecological principles with functional design to create productive, resilient landscapes.
Questions
What makes PermaDesign different from traditional landscapers?
We specialize in regenerative design that works with natural ecosystems rather than against them. Our focus on permaculture principles creates self-sustaining landscapes that produce food, conserve resources, and build ecological resilience.
Do you work with residential and commercial clients?
We serve both residential and business clients, tailoring solutions to each property's specific needs while maintaining our commitment to ecological sustainability and resource efficiency.
What geographic areas do you serve?
While based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, we work with clients nationwide through remote consultation and site-specific project implementation for regional clients.
Can you retrofit existing landscapes?
Yes, we specialize in transforming conventional landscapes into productive ecosystems through phased implementation that maximizes existing resources while introducing regenerative elements.