Rhino and Solidworks for the modeling. Plastic is Accura Clear, SLA process. Nice resolution, you can sand off the ridges with 400 grit. I use a local place. The metal will be SLS, which the local house doesn't do. I'll try their recommendation and Fineline for quotes.
The builder will be a problem. While I am interested in their expertise in craft, I am not interested in their design expertise. I will listen, but I want what I want and won't compromise on certain things. To make it more difficult, I am planning on a stainless steel tubing set which limits the builders. But I figure it will be at least a year before I start that process.
Most builders are going to have some opinions on the design. I think this is going to be...interesting. When I think stainless, I think waterford...I'd likely start there.