I strongly second One Plan's idea about looking for another architect. If this one is not motivated, all the fame in the world is not going to help. An alternative approach to finding an architect is to find some good contractors who have built things you like. Ask them for architects' names. Make sure they work in your price range. In the meantime, you can find out from your local building department what the set back and height restrictions are. Are you required to build parking areas or garage space, what kind of airspace restrictions do you have for neighbors' views and sunlight, that kind of thing. Often this stuff is on city websites or handouts at the office.

I think a comfortable distance between the island and the counter is around 42". It seems that you have only 30" between your cook top and the counter. I might be a little too tight. The wall between the entrance and the kitchen could be 4' long instead of 6', you would then be able to move the island a foot which would give you more room between the cook top and the island. Could you switch the location of the toilet and vanity in your dad's bathroom so your enter facing a vanity instead of a toilet which is a lot nicer.

OK... but the wire wont be lower as it is fixed now. The wire in the pics below is the wall facing each other. They were leveled on equal height but the beam on one wall makes it seem a little above. But i think you guys are absolutely right that up and down lights wont look good there. I think you are right about down lights lessismoore. Would it look good if i go with two different lights on opposite walls??? it would look odd right.

Rui, On the contrary, If you look from the left it should align with the base cabinet because they are in same size. Most likely, it will go off by 3/8 of an inch after the dish washer (as it has been wiggled in). It is too small a difference to be noticed by average person because they are at different heights. We are suggesting to change either the cabinet above sink or the single box above right of dishwasher. It will be easier and the filler will be least noticeable above the sink as the shutters are already of a different size. Good news, is that you may have the cabinet boxes already. You can check by placing them starting from the left most wall whether the above suggestion works for you. Thanks, Nitin Cornerstone Designs, Bangalore.