Thanks for describing you way of doing things Mike .

I have my way also when I build a project when the size does not matter .
To begin with I look through my material stock and chose what I think will work as far as wood species and grain is concerned to go with the idea /design I have in my head and seldom do I make a sketch and the design and size sort of develop and change as I go along or I may have a piece of certain wood that want’s to be something .
On projects like cabinets where size is critical I make a cutting list and sometimes make a story stick as a reference and that works great for me .
On a curved stair which I don’t build anymore if I can help it as it is hard work I used to make a full size drawing on plywood sheets laying on the floor and all parts would be referenced of it using radius rods and line transfer tools etc. that way I was sure that the stair would go together right and the final size of the stair would fit in the location .
As far as my tools are concerned they are a mix of power and hand tools and when working at the bench I like to keep tools of the bench as much as possible and put them back in my slanted tool rack above the bench which works great for me . The table saw is my main work horse and then there are all the other power tools getting their turn as required .
One thing I like to practice is to keep the shop cleaned up and organized which I think is very important .
Other then that I just try not to get stressed and have a good time in the shop and not plan ahead as things always change anyway just go with the flow .

Klaus