Don't close the deal without some back and forth, maybe suppling photographs of hawkbills you like, and sketching variations. This will get you on the same page with someone, or give you the measure of someone who can't communicate. Don't demand a lot of time, but share some suggestions and get some feedback, maybe two or three rounds. Best if you can do these sessions face-to-face, but by mail or email if necessary. Be sure he's hearing you and understanding you, so you'll feel like the pipe you want is the one he's making. You ought to have rights of refusal if the final item doesn't fulfill the vision you have, but if you do good prep work, this won't happen. I've never take the plunge. I only buy completed pipes so I can hold them in hand and heft them, but some day I may.