A literature recognizes the ecological value of biodiverse “novel ecosystems” that arise from an interplay of anthropogenic and independent ecosystem processes. Several factors influence the creation of these novel ecosystems and there is no shortage of data acquisition methods for, or complexity of descriptive data about them. However, there is a need to articulate and contextualize tools and methods for formal design iteration that can make sense of this complexity and facilitate its translation into functional and meaningful landscape form. This paper describes a method for abstracting ecosystem processes into a simple parametric model, presented in the context of a riverbed mining operation in southern Georgia. The results of this initial methodology reveal the potential of parametric models to mediate between digital models of formal proposals and abstract models of ecosystem process. Separating and recombining parametric site models, abstract ecosystem models, and landscape photomontages reveals possibilities for a more facile methodology for iteration of design interventions. A parametric model also serves as a site for negotiation between project goals and constraints. Finally, the generation of a digital parametric site model allows for subsequent visualisation and editing of more specific digital models for design development and construction.