This CMS project is quite similar to one project we have handled earlier. In that project we made a generic website making framework for novice users. It was a school CMS project that focused mainly on providing content management services to schools. With that web application, users just had to write content for a ready made template for website.
For your project, our initial plan is about the same. You have already designed the templates (looks and html), we need to work on the backend and API's for customization. the content in template should be edited by integrating CKEditor and CKFinder or some other file browser.
In previous project we integrated image editor and facebook like image gallery the CMS. We also integrated php thumb (script for image editing) for users or programmer to be able to play with the images (i am not sure u need that here.) Users have different levels of rights and authority with admin account on the top of it.
Most of the code was written by us only and we are improving it. regarding the login and other security features, we recommend usage of PEAR.
In that schoolCMS project, we have integrated a database driven calender, as a prime feature this calender can store information as per user accounts. every user sees his saved information and can access to others calenders as well (via rss feed).
Back to the editing again, the site will be backed by a MySql database. HTML of the content is saved in the database along with page hierarchy.
there are many additional features that makes schoolCMS a successful product in making and we can implement them in your code also. the best part that we can offer you is tested code. Our code is in testing phase and many schools in india will start using it from december 2010 or january 2011.
Content and images (for images in content other than template images) will be stored. The design is innovative and features are basic. Yet system is powerful.
Our experience in a similar project makes understand your wish better. In case you need more interaction and discussion on the deal, we are open. We would also like to mention that this is our first project online. This makes your project special for us. You can trust us for quality product.
Qualification wise, we are engineers in computers, own a startup (deviced), we are into social networking related and market analysis. Please contact back if you want a better discussion on product and prospects. We look forward to a meaningful cooperation
Regards
Ashish Rana
Deviced software
India