It is when you have short-listed the designers that you will need to have a sitting with them
. Having interaction with them will give you an insight into their methodology and also their attitude towards your ideas. There are lots of good web designers who have a deep knowledge of the technical aspects of web designing and they really do good work in creating sites but they are not really attentive to what the customer is saying. They think that they are the person having all the knowledge and do not require inputs from a person who is a layman. It is better you stay away from such people. You are the best man to give ideas about your website. After all, you know what you want from it, don't you? If you know what the idea you looking for it's very important that you will get someone that will help you get it done.