Build a two story with a garage under the top story. It will have to be long and narrow lot is not wide. 4 bedrm s will be tight, looks like you only have rm for about 1200 sq ft incl garage. Or you could put front door on side behind garage and stairs inside to go up to bedrooms and bath rooms. Have a small bathroom downstairs. With living area and kitchen, with dining area.

Eventually when you come to resell, a pool is an added plus. But for your own purposes, emptying the pool and adding a deck over it with a hinged door and steps placed below would be great for storage (as per option b but bearing in mind you could revert). All the best for your lovely new home.

Agreed. and since windows make an essential and large part of a space, Curtains/ blinds become an important design element.

Yes! Well... it depends how you are defining interior design. Are you thinking about finishes and furnishings? Or about the design of the interior space; how spaces relate to one another, circulation, flow, function? If you are speaking of design, and not decoration, please consult with an interior designer at the same time as the architect, or before. In my experience, interior designers think on a smaller, function based level; architects are about the big picture. An interior designer should ask you how you live. This question helps to guide design because they will consider your particular needs. Also, consult with a kitchen and bath designer before finalizing house plans. Most times, interior designers (and kitchen and bath designers) work with what they are given. Sometimes it is a fixed space. Sometimes a wall or two can be taken down. And we do the best we can with what we've got. BUT, many times, a designer dealing with interior spaces wishes they were consulted before plans were set in stone (so to speak). Sometimes, it is the little things that make a big difference in function.