This paper describes work on the application of visual techniques to the design and construction of parallel and distributed programs. In particular, it looks at how the software architectural view can be effectively utilised to provide a common framework for integrating the various software development activities, ranging from early, informal program design to the evolution of the running program. A prototype visual programming environment-the Software Architect's Assistant-has been built for the design and development of Regis distributed programs. It provides the user with automated, intelligent assistance throughout the software design process. Facilities provided include the display of integrated graphical and textual views, a flexible mechanism for recording design information and the automatic generation of program code and formatted reports from design diagrams. Software reuse is also supported through the use of component libraries. Support for graphical monitoring and management of running programs, currently provided by a complementary tool, will be integrated into the environment to provide a complete solution for visual distributed programming.