Business Details
21 Years
experience
Ecological Landscape Design & Installation Services in Sebastopol, CA
Permaculture Artisans has been a leader in ecological landscape design and installation since 2005, rooted in the principles of permaculture ethics: Care of the Earth, Care of the People, and Sharing the Surplus. With over 15 years of experience, we specialize in regenerative agriculture, water harvesting, fire-resilient landscaping, and restoration projects across Sonoma and Marin Counties. Our team combines deep ecological knowledge with technical expertise to create landscapes that are both functional and beautiful, prioritizing sustainability and long-term stewardship.We are committed to client collaboration, offering tailored solutions from initial consultation to installation and maintenance. Recognized for our award-winning work, including the Nautilus Book Award for 'The Regenerative Landscaper,' we continue to innovate while maintaining a focus on community and environmental health. Our dedication to ethical practices, transparent communication, and measurable outcomes has earned us the trust of clients and industry peers alike.
Services
Food Forest Landscaping
Low Water Planting
Ecological Restoration
Rainwater Harvesting
Fire-Resilient Landscapes
Permeable Paving
Greywater Systems
Stone Masonry
Urbanite Concrete
Native Habitat Design
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- We have 15+ years of experience in regenerative landscape design and installation.
- Our projects prioritize permaculture ethics and long-term ecological stewardship.
- We specialize in fire-resilient landscaping tailored to local environmental risks.
- Our team offers expertise in water-harvesting systems and drought-tolerant design.
- We serve Sonoma and Marin Counties with localized knowledge and community focus.
What people say
Knowledgeable staff
Meticulous work
Great communication
Creative solutions
Reliable service
Services
Food Forest Landscaping
Design and install multi-layered food-producing landscapes that mimic forest ecosystems. Our approach integrates fruit trees, vines, groundcovers, and mushrooms to create self-sustaining systems. These landscapes provide abundant yields while enhancing biodiversity and soil health for residential and agricultural properties.
Rainwater Harvesting
Implement systems to collect and store rainwater for irrigation and fire safety. Solutions include raintanks, retention ponds, and swales that reduce runoff and replenish groundwater. Our designs balance functionality with aesthetic integration into your property's natural features.
Fire-Resilient Landscapes
Create defensible spaces using strategic zoning and fuel-load management. We incorporate fire-resistant plants, hardscapes, and moisture-retaining features to protect properties while maintaining ecological integrity and visual appeal in high-risk areas.
Ecological Restoration
Restore degraded landscapes through native plant reintroduction and habitat creation. Our team assesses soil, hydrology, and ecosystem needs to develop regenerative plans that improve biodiversity and ecosystem function for large-scale properties.
Stone Masonry
Craft custom stone features including patios, retaining walls, and garden structures. Using locally sourced materials, we create durable, permeable surfaces that blend seamlessly with natural surroundings while enhancing property functionality.
People
Erik & Lauren Ohlsen
Founders
Erik, a certified permaculture designer, and Lauren co-founded Permaculture Artisans and the Permaculture Skills Center. Erik brings 20+ years of ecological design expertise, while Lauren coordinates community growth initiatives at their Sebastopol, CA, campus.
Denise Decker
Business Director
Denise manages financial and operational systems for both Permaculture Artisans and Permaculture Skills Center. With 30+ years of business management experience, she streamlines processes while fostering community connections in Sonoma County.
Nik Dyer
Client Relations Manager
Nik combines permaculture design with ecological agriculture expertise. He oversees client communications and project coordination, ensuring alignment with the company's sustainability mission since joining the team in 2016.
Michael Litwin
Project & Field Manager
Michael leads installation projects with 15+ years of permaculture experience. He co-founded Sebastopol's Planting Earth Activation movement and applies his extensive field knowledge to every project's execution and quality control.
Damien McAnany
Design Director
Damien directs landscape design with LEED for Landscapes accreditation and ISA-certified arborist credentials. His expertise spans ecological restoration and sustainable design, informed by international projects like Jordan's Greening the Desert initiative.
Questions
What types of landscaping services do you specialize in?
We focus on regenerative agriculture, water-harvesting systems, fire-resilient landscapes, and ecological restoration projects for residential and commercial properties.
Do you offer maintenance services for installed landscapes?
Yes, we provide regenerative maintenance to optimize landscape health, including soil building, water management, and habitat enhancement tailored to your property's needs.
Are you licensed for landscape contracting in California?
We hold all required California contractor licenses and maintain industry certifications for sustainable design practices.
Can you help with fire safety landscaping in wildfire-prone areas?
Our fire-resilient designs incorporate defensible space planning, fuel-load management, and fire-resistant plant selections specifically tailored to California's high-risk regions.
What geographic areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Sonoma and Marin Counties, with extensive local knowledge of regional ecosystems and climate conditions.
How do you incorporate water conservation into designs?
We implement rainwater harvesting, greywater systems, drought-tolerant plantings, and permeable hardscapes to maximize water efficiency in every project.
Videos
