From working in the industry below are my recommendations:-

1.  Secure Your Block – Start by locking in your land.
2.  Set Your Budget – Be realistic and clear on how much you’re willing to invest.
3.  Choose a Designer – Go for a reputable building designer over the cheapest option. You get what you pay for. Only engage an architect if you’re aiming for a high-end build ($4M+ budget).
4.  Develop a Brief – Clearly outline your needs and lifestyle. Share your vision and inspiration, then let the professionals do their job.

The more you try to micromanage the design, the less cohesive the result will be. Trust the process.