Ask HN: How to work with a designer?

Hi guys,

I'm sure this question is pretty naive. I'm a developer that has mostly done software. The web stuff I have done has been enterprise, where presentation and design has not mattered as much as the functionality.

I want to get started in producing some nice looking public websites as side projects and hiring a designer online when needed.

Having not worked alongside a designer before, I'm not really sure of the best process for doing so.

I'm used to working with web frameworks like ASP.NET MVC and just using the available controls then adding some images etc and presto!

What process do people use for working with designers to establish a pixel-perfect design early and then integrating that with your web framework of choice?

What things should I ask of a designer to ensure the process goes fairly smoothly?

Thanks!

T