Tristin
If you're serious about this pond building thing, well first I say research it. And a good source of info is the AKCA booklet on pond construction. Another would be your local library (search pond books). Seek out or find out when your local koi club meets; talk to the members. I'm sure from all this you're get a lot of good ideas for the first go.
And lastly there are the characters that hang out on this board. A lot (though they are slow to admit it) have experienced the "wrong way" to do something, and most have worked to correct that concern. A good base of knowledge (although they are a visual bunch, so pictures go a long way).
AKCA - Associated Koi Clubs of America - Books