I just had a custom steel road bike built for me by these guys:

http://www.rodcycle.com/

Very nice work and reasonably priced.

My frame is made from fillet brazed True Temper OX Platinum.

If your under 175 pounds you may want to check out their S3 bike.

Check out these guys. They have a really good reputation around here, but they are local. I am pretty sure they will build you a custom bike. I am too broke trying to get a 911 together, so I am stuck riding an ancient Trek 1500 with a bottom bracket that sounds as nice as a 915 downshifting into first gear!

http://www.v2racing.com/3dracing/road.html

there are plenty of custom builders out there who are great. That doesn't really answer the question of compact v. traditional, although lots of those guys will have an opinion (and some may only build one or the other if theyr'e really opinionated.

Just get a <a href="http://www.moots.com">Moots</a> and call it a day...

Thanks guys for the suggestions. I'll check out the links you provided.

And Todd, yes, Moots are very attractive. Too bad I'd probably have to sell my 911 to get one. :(