Setup a simple, self hosted WordPress website using a template with customizations

project requires setting up a simple WordPress web site utilizing a template which will require some customizations to make the user workflow correct. The purpose of the project is to demonstrate a proof of concept to the client. The website will allow the user to navigate three levels to arrive at the desired information. For example, the user starts with a list of "Vendors", once a vendor is selected, a list of the "open issues" for that vendor is displayed. Once an Issue is selected, the "details" of the issue are displayed. Simple right!. I will want to discuss the project at length and expect to get professional recommendations on the best way to go about getting this done. If the demo goes well, we will put the site/sites into production.