The main idea presented in this paper is that the current sequential approach to circuit design, process development and IC manufacturing leads to serious inefficiencies. One of the major goals of the synthesis project should be to find ways to allow these three activities to be carried out concurrently by eliminating their current detachment. Towards this goal the University researchers participating in this study should contribute ideas which should address the current gaps in TCAD, CIM, CAM, etc. Examples of the time-activity lines of microprocessor design and change of a product to a new process technology are given and illustrate the need of an integrated and concurrent approach. We also suggest concepts for a synthesis framework and its functional components. We metaphorically call these key ideas "tent poles" to underscore the need to push out the interconnecting frameworks to support process synthesis.