Two real options to work it out.

A-Go over to the ths.gardenweb kitchen forum and crowd-source your design.

B-Go to a couple of local kitchen dealers.

Advantages of A- lot of options will be presented and you don't have to leave home. There are a bunch of consumers who want to help design kitchens over there. They have some fixed ideas but so do many KD's. Disadvantage- you will mostly be looking at plan views, you won't get much budget information.

B-raised ranches and splits have some specific issues. If you live in an area where they are common it is likely that the local dealers have seen something like your layout already and have addressed them. They should be able to show you a few options in both plan and 3D and supply an reasonably accurate ballpark price. Go with a specific budget in mind and find someone who will be straight with you about what you can and cant' do for the money. Downside is you have to invest some time out. Never hurts to make appointments ahead of time.

You say "in the near future" -6 months and most any will be willing to work with you; 1 year and the field narrows but they should still talk with you; longer? the picking will get slim. Be honest with them to get the best idea of who you want to work with.

Thanks so much for your response, I hope picking out cabinetry won't be this difficult. We are located in southern Ontario and if any one reads this and could assist us that would be appreciated

My suggestion is to shop for a person/designer/dealer that suits you and has product at your price.

Picking cabinets, a designer and a layout all at the same time is a bit
easier than trying to do it piecemeal. It helps keep things on budget.

IMO at a given price point the
difference in quality and features between brands is generally small. The differences in dealer service and talent vary much more.

Yes I agree, however living in a small community, dealer service is very slim