It would be great to see some of these images on your profile.

My advice is to think about the working/function as you need it for your family. Prioritise that (as a starting point) and get that happening somewhat free of a "box" shape extension and see how that all sits - it's like you're trying to squeeze it all in to a specific shape and then struggling with certain details....you're suggesting/entertaining ideas like a functional laundry/bag drop zone etc which 100% is important/relevant for a busy family of 4. The problem seems that there hasn't been true clarity on the function/requirements before the design has been proposed. Is it too small? Well it depends on how exactly you intend on using it - how many people need to be able to sit at the table or on the lounge etc..this will dictate scaling - whether or not you'd like a butlers pantry or not. Is the 3rd toilet needed? Well ultimately nobody can tell you that one way or the other - you will know whether functionally that is a requirement necessary for your family - all these are questions you will have (or need to establish) an opinion/position on one way or another and then (should) be able to work through (more effectively) & resolve with the architect whom you've engaged.....you are obviously staging the project which can be logical/necessary, and given this there may in fact be alternative and arguably more cost effective design options available for you (such as a 2nd stage "clean" extension for a master suite), but realistically that involves greater understanding/information of the site/context and your particular budget in order to provide specific advice/suggestions as to how best to achieve your goals...Good luck :) PD

Before falling in love with some beautiful bathroom photography you really need to take a step back and think about the day-to-day practicalities and your budget. Is this the only bathroom in the house, or is there an ensuite? Is there a separate toilet, or do you need a toilet in the bathroom? Do you have young kids who need to be bathed? Do you need a bath in this room, or is there another one in the house? As an adult do you like to have a long soak in a big bath, or do you always have showers? Do you need bathroom storage for make-up, towels or toilet rolls? The answers to these questions will help you decide on the right fittings for your new bathroom. Many people would prefer to have a larger shower and a smaller bath, but it depends on your household and preferences. The shower over bath is not a good option if you are a regular shower user, but not a regular bath user. It is also quite difficult to bath a toddler safely with a fixed screen in the shower over bath situation. Many people who love the look of the walk in shower with no door, such as in your first photo, end up hating them when they start using them. If not carefully designed and built they can swamp the bathroom everytime the shower is used, so do your research. Your bathroom is also too small to have a freestanding bath (as in the first photo) as you won't have enough room around the back and sides to clean the floor properly. You are better off with a bath built into a bath hob which is in the second photo. Best of luck with your considerations, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls

Rachel, I think you have done a pretty good job for the space you have. Your study space is going to become a bit more of a thoroughfare now being more compressed towards the stair, so maybe just think about how you work in this space and if there are any tweaks to the furniture or even building in a big bookcase that could make the area 'claim the space' for working. In terms of who you should get, I would probably recommend an interior designer. They will help with the look and feel of the whole thing, which will help with the small spaces so they don't come across as pokey. Alternatively, if you have pretty good ideas of what you want look wise, possibly talk to a builder first, see what kind of information they would need to build it and they might even have inhouse drafties who can put together the required documentation, or they might know a good one. If you were based on the Sunshine Coast I'd be happy to help. :) Good luck!