I think your pros and cons list really answer the question. It's obvious to me that you prefer the single tier island so that is what you should get. It happens to also be my preference but that's inconsequential. You can warm up GORGEOUS Danby marble (which is somewhat warm anyway) with a gorgeous end grain walnut cutting board.

I personally have never been a fan of the two-tiered island/peninsula. We are planning an open concept room kitchen/eating area/family room also but a little smaller than yours, and every contractor we had look at the space mentioned a two-tiered island. But is nixed the idea since I really don't like the look, and besides, I'm a bit vertically challenged so the higher bar and stools are harder for me to manipulate. Plus I like the look of one large, uninterrupted piece of granite/marble, etc.

Stick with your guns, and don't let anyone talk you into anything you really don't want.

Love my single level island. We have been finished with the remodel for two months and have had several social gatherings. I love the feel of the single level with company. The single slab of countertop is a show stopper too. The room includes me when I'm finishing up in the kitchen but doesn't separate me from the conversation. And my kids love sitting at the counter for meals and I don't worry about them (they are little, 4 and 1.5 so bar height was not optimal). Can't say enough good things about my single level! But you need to do what YOU want. I know from experience I put my foot down with our designer on a few things and I'm glad I did.

{{!gwi}}

Love my single level island and I don't even have bar stools to enjoy it yet. But seriously, people on GW praised the single level for projects (with or without kids) and this weekend when I made a xmas tree skirt, it was GREAT to have one level. So happy with my decision. Our entire first floor is open and I can't imagine having the two tier island block some of the view.

I love my single level island in our open floor plan too! I love having a huge surface to roll out cookie dough or pizza crust. And it is a great place to wrap presents!

If you like the single level island then go for it!

I really love my single level island and all the space it offers. It sounds like you would prefer a single level, so go for it!

Another lover of all one level. Great for buffets, game nights,projects, baking, oh and wrapping for Christmas last year was a D r e a m !!!! :-)

With my single level peninsula - the granite counter section is 2' deep and then the overhang section is 16" deep but it is dark-stained maple block. So I have the two different counters on one level with the wood top as the overhang section and it helps to warm up the granite. No bar-height overhang.

I have a 2 level peninsula--and I love it :-). We also have a large open area--kitchen, dining area, great room, but I love the additional level of separation the higher level gives from the prep area.

It's not for everyone, I know--but there are those of us who like the two tier option!

One level! Your list shows the advantages to you far outweigh your architect's desire to make your kitchen his!! (I also prefer one level, btw. It's great when we have projects going on - homework, science fair, baking, gift wrapping, etc. It's also nice not to have to worry about knocking something off a shallow surface on a raised bar when eating, staging food, etc.)

If he likes it so much, tell him to do it in his home, not yours!

Seriously, it sounds like your architect is putting his wants above yours...this is your kitchen, don't let him pressure you into what he wants!! He won't have to live with & work in the kitchen every day, you will! It should fit your lifestyle & your wants, not his!

You may have to have "the talk" with him if he keeps pressuring you... See the "mistakes" thread for more on "the talk".

Something my sister told me before we started our journey was, "have one of you be bad cop and one good cop" We chose my DH to be bad cop, as he was at work all day and I was home seeing every little thing go wrong. I would call him when I wasn't being "heard" and he would pop home for lunch or whatever and would say NO we want it THIS way. It really helped get things across and stop issues, because I think sometimes they become hard of hearing to the one they talk to the most. Just my 2cents... 100% agree buehl!

I really appreciate all the feedback. Yes, it's true that my natural preference is a single slab island. But the issue isn't my architect-- he has an opinion (and usually incredible taste and guidance) but he won't try to force me to do something I don't want. I really posted the ad because even though I think I could come up with the rational pros/cons list, I don't really know-- I have never had a two-tier.
So does anyone have one and feel kind of closed in, cut off from the rest of the party? Is the bar height really a drag with kids? (MIne are 4 and 6 so not tiny). We have a lot of other table top space so I don't really need it for wrapping gifts or projects (though I'm kind of psyched about imagining drying pounds of fresh pasta on the counter...)
Would it be really awesome to have the wood area for serving and lower stress given the marble counters? The island with part stone/part wood on the same level isn't really my style, though I could imagine a large walnut cutting board, as remodelfla suggested). THANKS