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 had purchased hafele hob 10 months back... I got it serviced 6 times... Now i requested for replacement with new one... Still they have not attended my request...

Tsilanko, I would always recommend professional installation where needed. But what I am doing here is suggesting that WHEN you are planning to build or renovate, to consider how your plans will affect you in 20 or 30 years time. Split levels are very hep when you are young. A kitchen 3 steps down at 30 is rarely a problem, but might be a hazard at 60, or, as Marjie1059 suggested, if you break a leg. ... All my parents' homes were terrible for old people. They were forced to move to a bungalow in extreme old sge because the location and design of their home was more suitable for an active young couple with a large family than for an elderly couple with stroke disabilities. I would not want to move again, so my present home has features built in that make ageing in place simpler. Mostly small changes, like grab rails, and lever handles on doors and faucets. A major disability suddenly suffered requires major changes if permanent. I did look at this because it came up in the discussion, but if you look at the heading, Planning for Disability, it means just that. Plan ahead so you don't have to make expensive changes later on. But thank you for your advice, yes, major changes are not in the DIY domain.

Yep...shade or blocking direct sunlight from getting into the home is the BIGGEST passive option. And you want to keep the heat off of the ground AROUND your windows/doors as much as possible. That's why you see massive verandas with 20 - 30 ft over hangs in colonial homes in Africa/Asia/India. In N. Africa there are ancient devices (used by the Egyptians during the time of the pyramids) called "wind catchers". These are still in use today in areas of the Middle East. Again it is a passive system. Reduce the amount of WINDOWS that you have. Thick walls and great insulation will all keep the hot sun out. Remember: it is easier to plug in a heater for 2-3 months than it is to remove 30C worth of hot air for 8 months a year! Keep the sun out. Keep it OFF the walls/windows/doors by using over hangs or shade. If you need to add heat for 2-3 months a year, then small heaters are well worth their purchase cost. Highly efficient heaters with well insulated walls = comfortable 2 months of "cool".