Regarding choice of bike, I really like the Baum and Eriksen bikes.
But in my view there's a lot to be said for designing your own bike. If you say have a bike which works and you like, say a Colnago, then why not do some research on the right tube sizes for you and then get a chinese Ti manufacturer to build it for you? Then it really will be your bike.
I'm a bit sceptical that there's something 'magic' which goes on when a custom builder puts together a bike. If you get your position right via Steve Hogg say, and clarify what you want from the bike, talk to some builders, then choose the bits you like from designs which others are using for frames designed for that purpose and you will get a very nice bike. And the cost will be low enough that you will be able to experiment if you want faster steering or a stiffer ride...
Regarding the word local, I imagine that the dictionary defines local based on distance. So US cannot be local to Australia under any definition of the word. And if it is, then all of China needs to be included as well. But that's dumb. Common sense says local = within a short bike ride away. So Geloooong is only local if you live on the Williamstown side of Melbourne. Otherwise there's that big bridge to contend with. Local knowledge
Anyways, hope that works out well for you.
