Because I'm a masochist, here's the final design I'll probably use which utilizes RainBird manifold kit parts. My main reason for going this direction is because I like the idea of the RainBird manifold pipe (MS-DM, MS-TM, MS-QM) and not having to stress about building my own manifold. Plus the one-design design means I don't have to worry about leaks unless the pipe actually cracks.
http://www.jusme.org/manifold_design_final.gif
I like the idea of using "risers" (upside-down U shape mentioned by HKDK) so the valves are easier to get to for installation/removal so I ended up doing away with most of the RainBird kit parts in favor of standard PVC fittings to form my upside-down U. If you want a "flat" manifold design, the connections starting from the mainline pipe would look like:
MS-125x100 (or MS-100x075 depending on your mainline sizes) -> MS-DM/MS-TM/MS-QM -> MS-MA -> 100-DVF (or similar) standard FPT valve -> MS-NIP -> MS-125x100 (or MS-100x075 depending on your lateral sizes) -> Laterals
Obviously the MS-MA -> Valve -> MS-NIP -> MS-125x100 part would be multiplied by how many valves are in that manifold.
If someone needs a diagram of this for kicks, I can probably make one similar to what I've done above, but it's really simple.