Design Patterns for programming

I am trying to find the best approach to learning proper Software Engineering design and would appreciate any help in directing me to a foolproof approach to dissect a project prior to its design, and figure out what the most useful design pattern should be implemented. I have read through the "Gang Of Four" yet feel it's missing a surefire way of choosing the proper design pattern to a given software.

I'm not sure how professionals approach this, yet am sure this comes through years of experience. Yet after all my years of programming, am yet to find a process of discovery for design patterns.

Thanks, Al