Most design changes are due to interferences and fit-up as parts are assembled if such a large product as an automobile or an aircraft is developed by many concurrent engineers. In this part (1) of the thesis, the assembly-centric modeling methodology with CAD systems is proposed in order to reduce the design changes. Unlike part-centric modeling method, a part is modeled with its own coordinate system which is used in downstream process as machining and measuring. The part coordinates initially have the same orientation as its assembly which is predefined in BOM (Bill of Material). Then, the corrdinates origin of the part is moved to its location to be assembled from that of its assembly coordinate system. To implement this methodology, the position data of the part w.r.t. its assembly are stored in a database to build the same hierarchical assembling structure as BOM structure. This modeling approach has the advantage of reflecting asembling sequence, because the process of positioning parts is similar to that of real assembling. And with the method, a designer can easily adjust all of the part positions of an assembly to resolve interferences if he modifies just the coordinates origin of the assembly, which results in moving included parts and assemblies together.