I have a very simple workflow I like to stick to. It makes projects come together much easier if I stick to the same schedule for each one. I don't use any kind of workflow management software or system, it's a simple step by step process I have used for years.
In every project, we start with a survey. I take that data and translate it into my preferred template, using Civil 3D objects. Once I have this data pulled together, I create my design base. At this point, it's just a blank drawing. I xref my survey data into it, save and close. I then create my vicinity map.
I like to have things setup ahead of time, even if it is incomplete, and one of the best features of Civil 3D is that I can create blank, or empty, Civil 3D objects that I can still reference. So, I can create an existing and a proposed surface almost immediately. The existing can usually be created with the survey data, so I almost always have that from the start. The proposed surface, I make a blank drawing, reference in the survey and design base, and save to the proposed surface files proper location. I create a new surface with the Proposed Surface name, and create a data shortcut to it (as well as the existing surface, of course).
Once I have those files set, I move on to the sheet set.
I use the sheet set manager as my exclusive file manager, but that is a topic for another post. Once I have my sheet set created with all relevant data, I create a cover sheet and add it to the sheet set. I do this manually, as its just a hassle to change the sheet set template to the cover sheet template and then back to the normal template. After the cover sheet, I create a site plan, using the Create New Sheet option from the sheet set manager.
After changing the sheet layer settings for the appropriate sheet size, I xref in the survey and design bases and the vicinity map. The vicinity map will go on a layer just for it, which is preset in my template as locked in the primary viewport, and is the only layer not locked in the vicinity maps viewport. I zoom the map viewport appropriately, and then zoom the primary viewport to the survey (since the design, at this point, is generally empty). Most of the projects I work on can fit on a standard scale of 1"=20', 30' or 40', but I have resets for up to 1"=1000', in standard engineering increments, of course.
Once I have the layout set, I lock the viewport, and save the drawing. From this point on, its a simple couple steps to add each sheet to the set. I save as the site plan as a dimension control sheet, and using my tool palette, I add the appropriate General Notes set to the sheet. I turn on the dimensions text layer from my design base file and resave the file. I add the file to the sheet set, and rename and renumber it. I then do another Save As, into a grading plan sheet. I turn the dimension text layer back off, delete the notes I just added and add new notes for the new sheet. I data reference in my existing and proposed surfaces. At this point, I could annotate the existing surface, but I wait until I have design data, so that I don't obscure any of the notes. Another save to store the drawing changes and I add this to the sheet set too.
The process repeats itself for all the sheets in my sheet set. Utility sheets and drainage maps. Each sheet has its own set of notes, installed on a tool palette. Each sheet has a specific set of layers to turn on and off or alter the lineweight and plot style. Currently, I do that all manually, but I am working on a tool to do those changes all automatically.
As for detail sheets, I create a whole new sheet through the sheet set manager, and then delete the viewports, legend, scale bar and north arrow from the sheet. I have tool palettes predefined for each type of detail, and I insert them to fill the sheet. I used to have details to cover all possible scenarios, but then clients and cities would start actually looking at the detail sheets and question why I had details for things that weren't on the plans (ie, why was there three different sanitary sewer manholes when I didn't even have a manhole in the plans). So, I did away with a standardized sheet and now I do details tailored to the project. Instead of multiple sheet files for details, I typically use one file with multiple layouts, that way I can move details from sheet to sheet a lot easier, if I end up with more details than the standard one or two sheets.
Once my sheets are setup, all that's left to do is the design work. Back to the design base, and however long that takes. Once I have the design, I can send the site plan to the client for approval. If approved, I can carry on with the project. I do a basic preliminary grading of the site (sometimes done and sent in with the site plan for approval by clients), and then I do the drainage study to make sure it will work for the regulations from the municipality. Once I have made sure the drainage will work, and calculated any necessary detention, I move back to the grading and tweak it as needed.
The next step after grading is to annotate the sheets. Once annotated, I can plot a set for review by my engineer. Once reviewed, comments and updated, I can submit to the client, receive comments and go through all that process that everyone is so familiar with.
