I think the only code issue that applies here is the riser height which yes, RG, is 7 3/4" so even if the other riser is off, it still complies with code because these are not considered stairs which my understanding is any set of steps that are at least 3 in succession are considered stairs and must comply with applicable codes (like a hand rail and riser height conformity). But regardless of code, the riser heights are just too far off for any reputable contractor to think they did a decent job. Codes for steps and stairs are for safety concerns, and everybody knows riser heights with different heights in succession cause the brain to get confused. Especially for the elderly. I suggest you put aesthetics aside and focus on safety, workmanship and the integrity of your contractor to do the right thing.

It probably seems odd to put back part of the wall that you removed, but that is what I propose. The new short wall would serve to: 1 - hide the refrigerator (usually the least attractive appliance - which I changed to a 30-in counter-depth one btw). The refrigerator is a little out of the way from triangle work space goal, but I think it is worth it to have a kitchen that is pretty to view from your living and dining areas. Along those lines, the refrigerator would be in a full-height and full-depth cabinet. 2- enlarge your pantry to a nice size, with pretty narrow doors that open for full access. 3 - on the living room side, give you back some needed wall space. If you keep a layout similar to what you have now, your large chair or loveseat will not overhang the wall. On the range side of the plan, you could leave the cabinet run exposed, or add a narrow wall there are well. Note that I guessed on a few dimensions, and did not have a scale handy, so I free-handed the drawing. You would want to "field-test" it for sure.

I can see why something is neccessary to delineate the space, but not want to reduce the floorspace. A question to ask could be how thin any construction could be. This might help with any decisions. It might be worth exploring custom options to fit a full floor to ceiling screen located as I drew out above and exploring materials - maybe frosted glass ? wooden floor to ceiling slats with glazing between? or another material between? or just slats set at an angle ? or slats that can have the angle adjusted so they can be 'open' for light to travel, or 'closed' to obscure the sight line, or partially opened? It could be a combination 1/2 wall with glazing above or slats. Another option might be to consider not having an island and placing the 'wall' at the lounge edge of the island bench so the kitchen becomes a galley style so only the dining space and bench with the stove is visable.

Take what follows as worth what you paid for it. (Ha...) My very first starter home was a tiny cape cod, where the front door dropped everyone on the far end of the living room. Words fail to describe how much I hated that. I spent years trying to create a nice first impression, a nice foyer, out of that stupid entry. I loved most of that house, it was a great first house - but I never solved the problem of not having a nice front entry. It sounds like you care about something similar too. Some people care, some people don't - that's the beauty of life, different things matter to different people. If you're building a brand new home, and are lucky enough to be building it at the beach, then you really should take advantage of this to know what you want, and to get what you want. Within reason, of course. :-) But a nice foyer is certainly a very reasonable ask. Not seeing the entire floor plan and things to scale, I have no idea if a pretty table will work for you to delineate some space. Just bear in mind whoever said upthread that will need a lot of room to work is 100% right, and honestly it would not work for me. However I am not you. I am just imploring you to think carefully about what matters and what doesn't - lest you spend a shocking amount of money on a new build and then end up like me, spending years hating one of the most important parts of the house.