The paper describes the construction of global function approximation models for use in design optimization via global search techniques such as genetic algorithms. Two different approximation methods referred to as evolutionary fuzzy modeling (EFM) and neuro-fuzzy modeling (NFM) are implemented in the context of global approximate optimization. EFM and NFM are based on soft computing paradigms utilizing fuzzy systems, neural networks and evolutionary computing techniques. Such approximation methods may have their promising characteristics in a case where the training data is not sufficiently provided or uncertain information may be included in design process. Fuzzy inference system is the central system for of identifying the input/output relationship in both methods. The paper introduces the general procedures including fuzzy rule generation, membership function selection and inference process for EFM and NFM, and presents their generalization capabilities in terms of a number of fuzzy rules and training data with application to a three-bar truss optimization.