The design estimation of the required piling dimensions for a project is a multiple step process that lends itself to optimization. The estimate of required piling dimensions made during the design phase of a project is typically based on published design references. Most commonly, the estimated length of the pile is dictated by the compression load and site subsurface conditions. Although much effort has been devoted to developing equations that optimize the design of the piles, these design phase estimates, in the authors' experience, most often use the engineer's preferred method, and are just the initial steps in the foundation optimization process. The best opportunity to optimize the pile dimensions occurs during pre-production load tests. Based on experience, the authors describe a series of steps used to optimize piling requirements for a project.