The synthesis of solution crystallization processes is a complex task that often leads to multiple process options. In order ensure design reproducibility and reliability, a hierarchical design procedure has been proposed. The procedure has compared favorably to the currently accepted procedure because the number of design decisions is more evenly distributed throughout the design levels. The procedure is based on the work of Bermingham (A design procedure and predictive models for solution crystallization processes. Ph.D. thesis, Delft University of Technology, 2003), but recourse to sophisticated phenomenological models is avoided. Instead, experimental information, heuristics and qualitative theoretical considerations are used to cope with systems for which fragmentary information is available, since such is the situation most commonly found in industrial practice. Its applicability has been demonstrated in the design of a sodium chloride crystallization process on a 1 m(3) scale. Analysis of the pilot unit operation has led to the identification of improved design criteria related to process control, temperature elevation in the recirculation loop, and crystals washing.