That's probably a good pipeline, but I personally like to have models to work with, so I'll make my main character models and program the core mechanics into them. So I do character models before levels. Also I'm one programming student with little experience trying to start a portfolio.
You could be right that that pipeline lends to teamwork nicely but since I'm working alone I don't think I have to worry about teamwork just yet.
Thanks for the advice though I'll take all that I can get.
(Also don't worry 90% of my designs end up different than I originally intended, you're not alone)