Your architect is who usually helps with these choices or do you mean just a new to yoiu home. A bit more info please ,

I know architects will give a general idea based on what you provide them, but I’m looking for someone that can give me ideas on how to decorate and exterior as far as what product to use and where. I’ve seen Board & Batten but they I’ve heard they’re extremely pricey. Trying to understand the other options.

Architects are very good at exterior design not so much interior. I think we need to see your house plans at least to even begin to help . As far as independant exterior designers you need to search in your are . Uaually the architects have those on staff too.As for software I am not sure as I raely use that for my design work.

Hire a local interior designer to consult with you on an hourly basis to pull together your selections.