Perovskite photovoltaic is emerging as one of the most competitive solar technology due to its optimum band gap, high absorption coefficient, and balanced ambipolar carrier transportation property. Advancing perovskite solar cell technologies toward higher power conversion efficiency (PCE) requires delicate control over the perovskite film and the relevant interfaces, and deep understanding of defects. The properties of the perovskite can be manipulated (or optimized) during film growth by careful control of the intercalation reaction between the organic and inorganic species. We developed two approach for perovskite film growth: 1) vapor assisted solution process, and 2) one-step solution process with enhanced film reconstruction under controlled humidity. The underlying film growth mechanism, defect property and the corresponding device performance have been carefully examined. We further control the carrier dynamics throughout the entire device, based on careful choices of the carrier transport materials, and the modification of electrodes. These efforts lead to suppressed carrier recombination in the absorber, efficient carrier injection into the carrier transport layers, and good carrier extraction at the electrodes. The fabrication of our perovskite solar cells was conducted in air and from solution at low temperatures, which should simplify future manufacturing of high performance, low-cost, and large-area perovskite solar cells.