Abstract: A novel global placement process and associated computer software are provided for global placement of functional cells of an integrated circuit design. The global placement process is recursive and timing driven. Functional cells are placed according to how that placement is likely to influence signal timing. Also, a novel detailed placement process and associated computer software is provided for detailed placement of functional cells of an integrated circuit design. Target zones are defined which provide indications of the timing impact of functional cell movement. A detailed search for improved cell placements is conducted in which target zones are used to assess the signal timing impact of proposed cell movements. The novel global placement produces a global cell placement result, and the novel detailed placement process produces an improved detailed placement result.