For the architect

Slightly deep wood colour, not bright: if light engineered wood is 1 and dark red walnut is 10, the colour wanted is around 6-7. Prefer natural wood for bookshelves, stair steps, ladders and wherever wood is needed - including reclaimed wood (it carries the beauty of time, rough rather than glossy). Outdoor positions such as the gate, side door... can also be prioritised. For interior doors inside the house, should composite be used for safety?

Some walls with a slightly rough, cheap, easy-to-recolour texture - instead of stone cladding (interior walls, exterior walls, yard walls). Where should this be done? Is it OK to waterproof and then apply textured / rough paint directly on the wall - the owner heard that no skim coat is needed and paint can go straight onto concrete? What are the pros and cons?

Curtains must leave a pocket for recessed installation - avoid exposing the wooden / aluminium curtain rail, for a tidier look. At noon the room needs to be dark for resting while still having a breeze and staying cool. What solution (curtains?)

The architect helps calculate the hidden costs: demolishing the old house, raising the foundation, pile driving, running electricity and water outside the house, stub-out pipes for connecting to the public water system. About how much is each item?

Doors and windows: what needs to be done so rain water does not pool or flow in? Are drain holes needed?

Should bathroom waterproofing go up to 1.8-2 m, or is the whole wall better? Is reverse waterproofing on the ceiling of the floor below needed? Should waterproofing be tested by flooding for 72 hours?

Mopping the stairs without dirtying the wall - should a skirting strip be made along the stairs against the wall?

Planting on the balcony. Plants on the balcony and roof terrace: build planters or buy loose pots? If large planters are built, how should they be waterproofed? The household has little time for cleaning - should a balcony be built at all?

Exterior walls without stains from rain water - what solution?

Overflow drain pipes on the roof terrace, outdoor area upstairs, balcony: not sure the household will be diligent enough to clean the drain pipes, leaves may clog them - what solution?

Have 1 master switch for the whole house (e.g. when away): press it to cut all power, except the fridge, cameras and wifi / network. Besides the fridge, cameras and wifi - what other equipment should keep power when the master switch is off?

How will the house be protected against lightning?

Should electrical devices and sockets be recessed into the wall?

What should the floor use: micro topping, liquid terrazzo or tiles? Compare pros and cons, prioritising cost and ease of maintenance. If tiles: the most important things are non-slip, not glossy or glaring (prefer rough), soft on the eyes, few grout lines. What kinds of Matt glaze exist (satin, smooth...), suppliers, prices...?

A place for clothes worn during the day before washing: convenient in each room, plus one shared collection spot before laundry. Currently a basket is left in front of the bathroom - cramped and unattractive. The wardrobe holds everything neatly: suitcases, bags, umbrellas; hanging and folded clothes; blazers, dresses...; at night, opening the wardrobe should still let you see clearly. Should the wardrobe be full ceiling height? Should there be one area without doors to hold worn but unwashed clothes (e.g. jackets)?

A safe, non-slip play area for the child. Where should the play area go? What will this area be used for when the child grows up?

Sofa and chair upholstery - goal: easy to wipe clean, durable, cool, suited to a home with small children (who often snack on the sofa). Is the fabric treated to be water-repellent? The owner wants to avoid: Boucle, velvet, suede (hard to wipe clean), faux leather (tears easily, hot). Also wants to consider linen for the living room sofa. The architect advises on suitable fabrics.

Should a foot rest / seating platform be built for showering? Good for the elderly, but not sure it suits young people.

A gate that opens by itself - drive home without getting out to open it; it latches itself when closed, no need for a sliding bolt. What is the difference between a spring self-opening gate and an automatic gate? Which should be chosen?

2 large mai (yellow apricot blossom) trees in the yard; 1 pomelo tree - can it be planted on the balcony? When advising on plants in the garden and in the house: state clearly the plant type, plant shape, care notes and the reason for choosing that plant.