Abstract: System and methods are disclosed for a task-based approach to the generation of a project estimation. The systems and method described herein generate design patterns associated with a software development project based on historical information at a task level. Validate the design patterns. Decompose the design patterns into scenarios having a plurality of tasks. Survey the scenarios. Develop a plurality of estimate baselines based on past actual estimates and survey information. Develop an estimation model based on the plurality of estimate baselines; and provide feedback to the historical information of the estimation model based on actual task based performance metrics for use in generating design patterns for future projects.