This is the layout now. There is just the one (large) internal door between the 2 dining rooms.

In terms of flow first decide which is to be your front door and what each room will be used for. This is function. For example if you use the door at the large foyer then I’d probably relocate the storage and laundry from the hall and upgrade that area considering if the rooms of the hall need access from hall or not.
Your flow is generally fine

Architect v designer. Architect knows more about the physical building and impacts of changing that including function and flow. The interior design will be focussing on look and feel.
Having said that you might consult a builder to fill gap left by interior designer.
Question is what do you need advise on most depends on current state of home and your desired end point. E. G high end I would get interior designer to do finishes.
Low end you may work it all out yourself and get builder in if needed.

Thanks Kate. We will keep the front door where it is. The east side semi we have renovated nicely. Our thoughts are to relocate master bedroom to north end - creating a bedroom/walk in wadrobe in adjacent small bedroom, and new ensuite in that bathroom. Replacing the west side kitchen with a laundry and using that front door as a 'back' door. Just wanting to get the flow right before we do this all. A year ago a kind Houzz member gave a good idea and now we are at the pointy end we are seeking more advice. I appreciate your comment that the flow is fine. Gives me some confidence!

How many will live in the house and what ages. My husband grew up in Roseville In The Grove it's a lovely suburb a lot the houses were built on sandstone foundations which caused up and down movement and rising damp problems.

We know the Grove well. It is just my husband and myself but we have LOTS of family (3 adult daughters) and friends here and want a guest bedroom. We have the large living are sorted. It's really just now the west side semi to renovate and connect to the east side semi so it looks more like one house.

I started out drawing the floorplan but there are too many missing dimensions, I have the following. I would keep the front rooms as parents retreat coming in the front door. The rear bedrooms for kids and visitors with a kids rumpus and remove the side entrance taking that space into the laundry, you don't need it and I think it will always confuse people as it faces the street. It looks like your home was a home that had been divided to be able to earn an income as the owners aged. I think this will give you great Form and Function for your family.

Thank you. This is helpful.

Sorry Kylie I forgot to add that the Living room can still double as your office and reinstating the fireplace will be lovely. They are all only names to be used as you would like.

Thank you.

Options

Thanks Kate. I have found all these suggestions helpful. I hadn't thought of moving the laundry to behind that bathroom. The fireplace may be a problem though. I really appreciate your time in replying. How good is the Houzz community!

You mention having already done the east side of the house and are very happy with that, so I think you or who ever helped with that should be able to do the same. The following is a basic floorplan as not all dimensions are available. I would keep the laundry on the external West wall for natural light and warmth for a pull our clothes line across the windows. A separate toilet would be great if you can get access, or using a Saniflow product to do it. The side entrance could have lovely shutters changing doors to windows to create a reading nook but not in the middle of summer.

The Master could have a wonderful WIR Dressing and by blocking off that doorway gives space to have a drop zone in the Foyer/Entrance. The old laundry and linen could combine to make a decent pantry.

Oh I really like these ideas! Thank you. I had a designer put in a new kitchen and lounge cabinetry east side and we organised the deck ourselvesand I don't know if she is the one to do a spatial floorplan as she's not an architect hence the questions here. trying to get all my ducks lined up with ideas before I pay anyone. Thank you for the time you took. I appreciate it.

Always remember to show furniture in any floorplan to see what will fit including door placement. Unless your are planning to make major changes your designer should be enough to help you going forward.

Have a building designer have a look as they know how to get what you are trying to achieve and can do it to code, however they sometimes get grand ideas so you might want to give them a very upfront idea on your budget, outline of exactly what you want (have photo's). Interior designer does internals and will end up touching base with a building designer or architect if anything needs full remodeling. They can be your go between if it seems all overwhelming.

Thanks Pam. I have put out some enquiries and gathered all the advice from here. I need to find out where money is well spent and where it can be saved. Getting there! I appreciate you taking the time to advise.