If we modified the floor plan to move the fireplace on the wall against the master bedroom, do you still think the floor plan would be too dark? We have a deep lot so are having trouble finding a good house that's both deep and would provide some light. We are facing the sunset so the afternoon would def get more light. We are also going to take out the fireplace in the keeping room and add windows for more light as we are adding a fireplace on the deck so do not think we need three total in the house. Any other options are definitely welcome - first time builders and we want to be happy!

I would add... when you bring photos, figure out why you like them and articulate it to the architect. From the photos that you linked, you might really like the white exterior color and styling and the architect thinks you liked it for the courtyard garage entrance. Just be prepared to know why you like something :)

Thank you for your suggestions! You are totally welcome. :-) Although, honestly, I don't feel like I've contributed much, lol! ;-) The land is a little over 1 acre but only 1/3 has been cleared and the remaining is wooded. Ooooh dang, that's nice. <3 I'm in eastern Central Texas, and I'd kill for a heavily wooded neighborhood like yours. I haven’t thought about landscaping the front yet. If I could -- without sounding uppity lol -- please, please, please don't plant a tree right in front of the door! :-D I see this all. the. time. Smaller/medium-szied accent trees (preferably flowering, but stay away from Bradford Pear, lol) to frame the house would look lovely, especially with all the tall trees in the back. I also love the look of a front door painted in a cheerful color pulled from flowering perennials in the yard. <3 We did extend the covered deck to 12x20 with stairs and are thinking about a a semi in ground pool in the future The house's orientation will make this perfect! Southern exposure is great for spending time outside on a backyard deck or in a pool.

So you have a rear sloping lot? IMO stock house plans are never perfect and every change you make costs money . My advice is get an actul architect to design a house for you and the lot. Since the slope is the firstt hing needing to be adressed . I see things in that layout that are not good . You need to know how you live, and what you need in a home .