The first step in any design process will be to establish who the key stakeholders from the owner and user group are to provide necessary program information and who will be making the key decisions. MLA will work with the owner and site group to define program parameters in order to develop a successful project program.  This may entail meeting with key stakeholders in order to define the needs of the program, conducting an evaluation of existing facilities, and a study studying of the educational program to develop the physical needs of the building program.  A well defined program is necessary in order to have a successful well thought out design project.