Bob Simon's 7 Principles that he applied to the historic development of Reston were the following:
The town should provide a variety of leisure opportunities, including a wide range of cultural and recreational facilities as well as an environment for privacy;
Residents would be able to remain in the community throughout their lives, with a range of housing meeting a variety of needs and incomes;
The focal point of all planning would be on the importance and dignity of the individual and would take precedence for large-scale concepts;
Reston residents would be able to live and work in the same community;
Commercial, cultural, and recreational facilities would be available to residents immediately, not years later;
Beauty, both structural and natural, is a necessity and should be fostered; and
