yes before imhotep designed it the pharoahs were placed in mastabas.
Pharaoh Djoser's is the oldest known pyramid.
The Pyramid of Djoser, also known as the Step Pyramid, is considered the oldest Egyptian pyramid, built around 2600 BC during the Third Dynasty reign of Pharaoh Djoser.
Djoser was buried in his famous step pyramid at Saqqara.
The step pyramid
The step pyramid was built as a tomb for king Djoser
the step pyramid of Pharaoh Djoser at Saqarra
The step pyramid at saqqara
The first step pyramid was the Pyramid of Djoser (or Zoser), and it was built in the Saqqara necropolis in Egypt.
The oldest Step Pyramid in Egypt is that of King Djoser of the Old Kingdoms 3rd Dynasty, built 4,600 years ago. The oldest true pyramid was built for King Sneferu during the 4th Dynasty of the Old Kingdom.
The bent pyramid
For king Djoser
Djoser