When we were thinking of building about a decade ago, I bought some software and started playing around with it. It didn't take me long to realize I didn't have the knowledge to design a house properly - I couldn't figure out how to work with the terrain the house was going to be built on (steep, sloping block), I didn't know enough about the local building codes (height restrictions, bush fire protection measures) and I wasn't very good at figuring out how to take best advantage of orientation and views. My draft designs were bog standard and boring. We ended up finding a designer whose work we liked, and told him what we wanted - a 3 bedroom house, generous rooms, no wasted space, lots of storage, maximum natural lighting, energy-efficient orientation, open space living area, efficient (but not necessarily large) kitchen, decent deck. He produced a plan (and a little cardboard model) which pretty much exactly met our needs - we only had to make a few minor changes - and that was that. I think what I'm trying to say is that it's a good idea for you to know and explain what your needs and requirements are, but let the designer figure out how best to achieve them. That's what he's being paid for. By all means, give him plenty of input, but don't restrict him to tinkering with your design; let him produce his own.

Hi bigreader - are you familiar with the ideabook function on Houzz? You can save photos into 'virtual moodboards', and can have multiple for different areas, themes or ideas! You're also able to leave comments about what you like in each image, plus you can make these private too if you'd like. To get started, just click the green 'Save' button on any photo on Houzz. Select which ideabook you'd like to save it to, or create a new one, and save! These are all accessible through 'Your Houzz' in the top right hand corner of all screens. Let me know if you need any help!

Hi lesleyhawkins. Thank you for responding to my request. Are you a designer? Or just an interested participant in Houzz conversations? I am reluctant to post floor plans as I am not seeking advice via this site. I am seeking advice about a good interior designer I might engage professionally. Best wishes to you.

I should say that It is an existing house from the early 1990s which I would like to update. Thx