According to the engineering background all the design process should be clear and planned. From the first step (a clear question) to the last step (final presentation) everything should be clear and touchable. Although there are some concept solutions in the design process, the design should be practical at some point.
I live in US right now but I'm from Iran. Of course any thing can affect designs of a designer and cultural heritage is one of the most important things among them.
My design process begins with a simple question, continues with research and finding the restrictions, ideation to find the most simple solution, sketching and ends with final presentation.