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.

What would you like the houz.com pros to do? How would you ask them to approach helping you? Please let us know what you would like from us......... You could consider commissioning a Houz Pro to help you design your house..... Your architect doesn't necessarily need to be in your part of the world. However, there does need to be someone locally to help with the building and zoning codes and coordinating with the permitting agencies. . Also, it would be best to have local engineers to help with the project...... For example: You will need a soils report by a geological engineer to understand what the foundation needs to be based on the existing soils conditions. A civil engineer to help design the grading so that the property drains properly. A structural engineer to design the structure for the local codes. A good contractor to build the project who will coordinate and be a good team player... Let us know what you would like from us........

First of all, I don't think that furniture is comfortable enough to sit and watch TV, so the TV should be remove from that room, the purple wall paper and the purple furniture is too much, you should consider another color for that wall and the furniture against the wall it doesn't look good. What is that room at the end is kind of dark and I cannot appreciate exactly what is the purpose of that room. I'm a firm believer in skylights, we have skylights in the laundry room, kitchen, living room and office, they make a big difference. (if you cannot have skylights (or tube lights) can lights are a great option. There are a lot of great ideas from everyone. I can't wait to see the after photos.

Hi Ankur, Since you have specifically mentioned low cost, will point out the major things that need to change. A big reason it all looks cluttered is because things don't match each other. That dice table and the sofa dont match each other nor the divan. Stick to a set of colours or theme. RnD has given you good suggestions already. If you are going to keep the sofa - the cover on throw pillows don't match the print on the sofa. Anoth option is to do upholstry and change the colour. How about pink ? Here is an example: If you want to stick to black its still fine, but when you add throw pillow, do ensure that not only do the colours match but the prints - they need to make sense too. The coffee table doesn't look that nice. If you could use tinted glass it would have been better. The wooden base of the divan is boring and doesn't match the other items.If not anything, atleast paint it. The dice ottoman doesn't match the present sofa nor divan. The show pieces - update them! Bring more interesting things. The pink table near the sofa- again doesn't match anything. change the sheets of the divan. Change the tablecloth on the table near the partition. These are some of the things. If you present choices we can try to help you choose but else its best to go for professional help. Hiring interior designers isn't just that they know to decorate well, they will be able ensure the space is planned for best productivity, the overall decor is pleasing to the family and also help adjust lighting requirements. Do keep us posted! atom INTERIORS, Bangalore