Best way to start off a new project?

[eluser]vmirjamali[/eluser]
Just wondering is there a simple method anyone follows when starting a new coding project?

Like for instance do you set up the views, models, controllers, templates, etc in a certain way?

Also just wondering does anyone create template systems seperate from the view system? I used just the view system for my old projects, but i heard I should create templates?

Thanks for any help creating a new project soon and would love to know.