About Danial

Danial Lawton is an Environmental Engineer, expert earthworks operator, and second-generation permaculturalist. As the son of world-renowned permaculture pioneer Geoff Lawton, Danial has spent his life at the forefront of regenerative design, bridging the gap between high-level academic engineering and practical, large-scale land transformation.

A Lifetime of Applied Design

His journey began at the age of thirteen with a Permaculture Design Course (PDC) in Tena, Ecuador. Danial followed this early immersion with a Permaculture Diploma specializing in site development, site design, and research, establishing a foundation in the physical execution of permaculture systems.

Technical & Engineering Expertise

To bring a rigorous scientific standard to his earthworks and consultancy, Danial pursued extensive academic qualifications, including:

  • Bachelor of Environmental Science (Double major: Ecology & Conservation Biology; Land & Water Management)

  • Master of Environmental Management

  • Master of Environmental Engineering

This unique combination of engineering discipline and permaculture intuition allows Danial to solve complex hydrological and geological challenges that standard design often misses.

International Experience & Leadership

With over 20 years in the field, Danial’s portfolio spans international projects across Central and South America. He has held pivotal roles as the Water Systems Manager for Tagari Farm (PRI Australia) and later as the Farm Manager for Zaytuna Farm (PRI Australia), where he oversaw the implementation and maintenance of world-class regenerative infrastructure.

Educator & Consultant

A dedicated educator, Danial has facilitated Permaculture Design Courses (PDCs) and hands-on technical workshops through Griffith University, PRI Australia, Northey Street City Farm, and Noosa Forest Retreat.

Today, Danial operates as a premier permaculture consultant and philanthropist. He draws on his deep engineering background to design and execute sustainable systems for local Australian clients, government organizations, and global projects—transforming degraded landscapes into thriving, productive ecosystems through precise earthworks and scientific design.

Why work with an Environmental Engineer for your Permaculture Project? Moving earth and managing water are the most critical—and expensive—parts of any landscape design. Mistakes in hydrology or earthworks can cost thousands to fix. By combining dual-Master’s level engineering with 20+ years of intuitive permaculture experience, I ensure your project is designed right the first time, saving you money, time, and resources in the long term.

Danial Lawton

Headquartered in Brisbane, Australia, we leverage satellite intelligence and remote sensing technology to provide world-class permaculture designs to clients across six continents.

Permaculture Consultancy Services

  • Pre-Purchase Property Assessments: Don’t buy a liability. I will assess the land before you buy to reveal hidden problems and incredible opportunities, saving you from costly mistakes.

  • Rural Acreage & Farm Design: Maximize your yield and drought-proof your land through strategic earthworks, water retention systems (swales, dams), and holistic management—without compromising sustainability.

  • Urban Consultations: Turn small city blocks into highly productive, low-maintenance, resilient green spaces.

  • Implementation & Maintenance: Don’t have the time or heavy machinery? My team and I provide expert landscape implementation and long-term maintenance.

 

Danial works across a number of scales and environments, from urban residential, commercial/businesses, development (national and international) to rural agricultural sites.

Our main services include:

  • Consultancy – Consultation with clients, site analysis, and site specific recommendations.

  • Design – Consultancy as above, plus report and landscape design plan.

  • Earth works – Danial’s earthmoving experience utilising excavators and dozers to implement long term systems.

  • Implementation – Implementation work from a landscape design, under your direction or in assistance with a consultant.

  • Maintenance – Permaculture landscapes are designed for low maintenance, however if you are really limited for time and/or do not have the technical know how, Danial’s experienced maintenance professionals can assist.

Testimonial