I'd say if you can detail your problem like that your easily learn CSS basics in a few days, also download some css cheat sheets to avoid making small errors.
I was confused with your mock-up, XHTML & CSS are easier to learn and read than that mock-up.
If you design your site from scratch with XHTML and CSS, there plenty of tutorials for converting a standard web site into a wordpress site.
http://anekostudios.com/2006/09/21/h...te-or-theme/2/
Good luck
John