How can I disable auto-switching desktops?

I've long appreciated the spaces/mission control feature of OS X. However, it seems more oriented to organizing desktops by application rather than by project.

Like many users, I suspect, I use different desktops for different projects, each of which requires a variety of applications (finder, word docs, spreadsheets, etc). When I'm working on project 1 in desktop 1, I never want to be whisked away to desktop 2. In fact, I never want to be switched to a different desktop automatically. If I click on an application, I want it to open a new window for that application. If a new iteration of an app can't be opened (ie, Mail), I'd like it to pull Mail to me rather than send me off to it. Aren't apps supposed to come when we call, not the other way around?

I have unchecked "...switch to a space with open windows of that application" in System Prefences, but my desktop continues to auto-switch, especially with Finder.

In short: is there a way disable auto-switching entirely? I'd like to be able to assign windows and navigate manually without being constantly pulled away from the project I'm working on.

Thanks for the help; I really appreciate people spending their time helping others on forums like this one.