nben1, Hi, I would open a 42" to 45" opening on both ends of the wall between living and study. That would leave room for a TV with components in a unit below. A desk would be nice in the back left corner of the study, with art or photo above, a chair in the back right corner and a chaise or small sofa on the wall behind the tv. That would make everything look roomier and make the study more inviting. In the living an L shaped seating would be nice floating with a small console behind. Good luck!

Nowadays clients are not innocent they know all details due to them only they're facing what ever you says if they hired costly architecture they're not hearing means so don't mention about costly and cheap

Ankur, 2 designers - RnD Atelier and Rupal here are from Nagpur you may try reaching out to them . There are many others whom you can search on professionals page in Houzz. 1- Project Size: Yes and No, usually any architect will like to contemplate on the project size before committing. You may have to ask from few of your chosen architects. 2- Creativeness: If anyone has taken up a project they are expected to be putting in their professional creativeness. 3- Fees: Really varies a lot approx 50-500 per sqft. There are few students and part timers who would do a project for lesser.It's better you engage in a discussion with few architects and ask for their prices rather than guessing. 4- Iterations : Yes and No, usually designers will keep in mind a few iterations before providing an estimate. But if the numbers of iterations are way too many they may have to discuss the fee again with you. 5- Precautions: Do not consider an Architect /Designer fee as a one time fee only. They provide a service that stays with you and family for a life time. A small mistake in the plan will stay with the home for ages. Be as transparent as possible. Don't fall for online marketing gimmicks. Anyone who is cheap is for a reason. Word of mouth or personal recommendations are a good way to select any service provider. Be thoroughly prepared with what you need in terms of layout . See around, take pictures of what you like and present it to them in your discussions. Get involved - but that doesn't mean that you should interfere too much with their expertise. Its a creative art and any professional worth his salt should do a better job if they are given creative freedom . 6- If your entire focus is on the price you will push the professional to look in the project as cost project rather than a design project. Please avoid that mistake. And finally you have this great forum where you can always take a second opinion . Thanks, Nitin Cornerstone Designs, Bangalore.

When it comes to labor charges, it varies from one agency to the other. Same is the case with raw materials. moreover it also includes unforeseen expense like transportation, moving costs, wastage, cleaning & disposal, additional visit expenses, additional secondary material costs like masking tapes, special tools, specialized labor or consultants, and the list goes on... In a country like India, keeping track of all these expenses is practically next to impossible, especially when the transactions are made in cash, or like in certain cases the value of the service cannot be tallied with money! Although, the client can ask for the material and labor costs along with contingencies (unforeseen expenses) which can be a certain percentage of the total cost. The best way to proceed out of this with minimum frustration, is to work with an architect who is knowledgeable, skilled and whom you can trust. I hope this was helpful.