If you are after plans of architecturally designed homes, magazines may be your best bet (try libraries as you are unlikely to get most at the newsagent), however there are also a number of open homes and architecturally designed homes that are open to the public, including the Rose Seidler House. Also, if you are trying to get away from the kit-home look, take note of how the architects and designers use everyday material creatively in unexpected ways to achieve a highly polished look. As for your floor plans, further work is needed to the downstairs plan. I would seriously question whether you need two bathrooms downstairs. The bathroom for the guest room could be used by everyone (maybe consider setting it up as a three-way bathroom). You can remove the doors between the pantry and the butler's pantry, it is already hidden and just uses up space. As MB Design & Drafting has said, there is a lot of empty space on the downstairs plan and there is going to be an empty void around the meals area. Also of note, try to have continuity in your windows - that is, try to minimise the number of different sized windows and ensure they are standard sizes where possible (its cheaper and more cost effective to make 10 of one thing rather than 10 custom sizes); and try to ensure that the header and sills have a relationship. You have engaged an architect as you feel they are able to successfully design you ideal home. I would suggest giving the architect the ability to experiment and push your brief, otherwise you are doing yourself and them a disservice and you should have gone to a draftsperson how would have simply just drawn up your ideas as you stated them. You are on the right track, so don't give up! Often a design needs lots of discussion between the client and the architect before a great design can be achieved. Whilst it is wonderful that public forums such as this exist, ultimately the discussion needs to occur between yourselves and the architect as you are the ones who will be living there. Take time to listen to their ideas, and don't be afraid to question something you don't understand.

Yes, our harsh Australian environment does hammer our external finishes but if exposed timber is coated with a good quality finish initially ( i recommend 4 coats minimum ) then an ongoing maintenance coat every couple of years, your timber can still look great many years down the track. People just need to understand if you want that beautiful natural timber look you have to put time in to maintain it.

Maybe you could contact them and see if they know anyone who does what they do in Brisbane? It is important for a business to know its competitors but they might just be thinking more locally instead of nationally.

"Top end" has many different meanings depending on where you are! Many "top-end" items are imported from Europe on order and can take 10 to 12 weeks for delivery. They also cost big dollars. I know of one well-known project home builder who used to double the standard price of a display home by displaying all of their idea of "top-end" finishes. So a $400K display home would have had another $400k of "optional" extras displayed including higher ceilings, bi-fold doors, external water features, outdoor kitchens, granite benchtops, decorative feature wall paper, built-in home theatre speakers, and fancy cabinetwork everywhere, etc, etc. Unfortunately if your home is already at frame stage your options are limited, however your builder will love all of your variations as he can charge a premium and extend the contract. I would suggest you engage a professional to work out what is acheivable for your budget and with the timing of your build. Best of luck, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls