Abstract: Methods and apparatus for designing electronic circuits, including analog and mixed signal (AMS) circuits, based on an evolutionary optimization approach. In one exemplary embodiment, the optimization approach is implemented using a computer program running on one or more computers. The optimization program receives inputs from the designer regarding (i) optimization objectives for the design process, and (ii) the constraint mechanisms to be applied. Both constrained and unconstrained optimization formulations can be addressed by the program. Various objective function evaluation mechanisms are implemented. The program also advantageously allows for continuously encoded variables, which are particularly useful for solving AMS design problems.