I would tend to agree with the architect because they have the vision of the entire space. This is a discussion you should be having with him/her so they can explain why 10 feet is better, or they can adjust it to your preference.

Hello Teja, for the luxurious look add wood with polish and pop to balance it . Select some drop lights in one of the corners, indirect or hidden Led lights and some spot lights and its done.

Jaggi, while it depends on the overall depth of the coffer ceiling but as a thumb rule you can leave a safe gap/height of 9-9.5 ft from lower end to the floor. Thanks, Nitin Cornerstone Designs, Bangalore.

I was going to suggest the same thing as InspiredHome. Fix the false ceiling no more than 6 inches from the true ceiling. However you would have to drop the height of your wardrobe loft shutters, otherwise you will not be able to open them once the ceiling in place.. You can leave the carcass as it is, but replace the the shutters with a fixed panel from ceiling to about 8 inches below, and smaller shutters in the remaining space. The false ceiling can stop at the fixed panel above. That way you will not lose loft space