I would also recommend talking to Dave Kirk. There are quite a few top level steel builders but, Kirk should be one of the better ones when it comes to delivery. I would guess just a few weeks at most. And, I really doubt that you can do better in regards to quality. He builds a superb bicycle.
Another option is Roland Del Santa. A really good steel bike for a really good price.
And yes, those Vanillas are stunningly beautiful. Just like the Richard Sachs.
If you are going steel then go for the small one-man types shops (as above) as they will give you more value and true art for less money. These are set apart from the norm.