We present a framework of an intelligent design system for embodiment design of machine tools which can support efficiently and systematically the machine design by utilizing design knowledge such as objects(part), know-how, public, evaluation, and procedures. The design knowledge of machining center has been accumulated through interview with design experts of machine tool companies. The processes of embodiment design of machining center are established and represented by the IDEF0 model from the field surveys. We also introduce a hybrid knowledge representation so that the system can easily deal with various and complicated design knowledge. The intelligent design system is being developed on the basis of object-oriented programming, and all parts of a design object, machining center, are also classified by the object-oriented modeling.