Hi There: Maybe I don't understand the question correctly, but looking at the LR3 import window:
[attachment=23166:LR3.jpg]
On the left you specify the source - LR detects when I have a card in the reader, but | don't have one at the moment. Top right under File Handling you specify things like don't import duplicates, make a second copy, etc. Under that you specify File Renaming options, including any custom text in the required field, and you check the 'Rename Files' box. Under 'Apply on Import' you specify a Develop preset, metadata preset, keywords, etc to be used on import, and under 'Destination' you tell Lightroom where to put the files. At the top you specify Copy as DNG, Copy, Move or Add.
Having set all those parameters, at the bottom there's an 'Import preset' box. I generally group my files by month, so I have presets for each month but you could do it by shoot, client or whatever. Select the appropriate preset, and everything is as you set it to be.
Mike.