Long meeting

Today we went over more details pertaining to finishes and materials. We're off to a tile supplier in on Monday. We decided to engage the landscaper of our choice.
We also went to a house designed and built 2 years ago in the neighbourhood. Using similar front exterior finishes. But we went to see a stone wall that was installed there. Very nice (if a bit over whelming); luckily ours will just be cladding the chimney and fireplace. The owner also had some interesting comments in hindsight, about builders and architects in general. His feedback was quite good for the architect, however he said he wouldn't be recommending the builder.
All very interesting indeed, and food for thought.

Update

Well last Friday we met with a landscape designer at his office/showroom. He seemed quite nice. Very easy going nature, relaxed, comfortable with his work and not pretentious at all. And sounded willing to collaborate with the architect and will work to our budget.
So we think we'll go with him.
This Friday we have a meeting with the architect to, I guess, really set some of the plans in stone so to speak. I really haven't been running around sourcing appliances etc. Been a bit busy this week. I thought retirement meant you had more time, but my days are just disappearing all the time!

Landscape Designers

Well its heating up. We're seeing another landscape designer on Friday.
I'm going to have to get a couple more folders for "Lanscape" and for "Appliances et al".
My other two folders are reaching critical mass!

Builder #1

Our architect's preferred builder came around to have a look at the house and the scope of works. He was very thorough and spent a fair bit of time looking at each room, and looking outside, making notes on his set of plans.
Unfortunately for us, he is quite busy and wouldn't be able to start til mid year.
We will wait to hear from the other builders and then go from there. Whether we will wait for this particular builder depends on the quote they come up with in comparison to the other tenders and their availability.

Meeting of minds

Our architect came over and we had a nice discussion with the neighbour about his concerns. Despite the fact that he didn't object to the plans, he still has some issues with the windows. So really if we wanted to, we could just disregard him completely, as he had his chance to object. But we have to live next door, we will do the neighbourly thing and at least take him into consideration without compromising the architect's vision completely.
All in all, it was a good discussion and there is a path forward.

Things about to get serious

We have planning approval! Yeah!
Now we have to get building approval and that's the council side of things done.
Bad news is the preferred builder our architect wishes to use is tied up until June/July and even as late as August. Add 6 months and that's February 2009!
But we will tender out the build and see what transpires. He has a 2nd preferred builder and if he comes back with a competitive price, and he is available sooner; then we'll have to make some decisions.
In the mean time, its time for taps, appliances, fixtures etc etc. More decisions to make, and from now on, its up to us to keep the momentum going before the first sledge hammer brings down a wall.
Yeah!

Neighbourly love

Things are looking up in regards to the neighbour. Looks like we'll be able to take into account his concerns regarding the bathroom window etc. And he may just get himself a little bit of extra land that we won't need.
Anyway, a meeting will be organised with our architect to come and have a friendly chat with next door.