To design a chip first get prepare spec document i.e what is the requirement then make a micro architecture document of the specification. Code it into verilog/vhdl, verify its functonality and do synthesis, back end activities like layout, floor plan and place and route. These are few steps followed in VLSI industries.
in it some latest things about vlsi has been discussed...
when it comes to designing of an IC... first you have to decide an spec... then divide the circuit in blocks and based on your primary spec u have to decide the required spec for each block... then you have to design each block separately and then attach them such that they are compatible with each other.....