The meeting on-site with my development team was very encouraging.  Some of my assumptions were re-evaluated, such as ideal site placement and how much to avoid major landscaping.  Perhaps the biggest change so far is that I'm likely to build just a single story for this project, and set it up to be able to add another story as a second living unit in the future.

The designers turned out to be a great fit for what I want to do, and specialize in creating comfortable interiors in a small space, as well as the full spectrum of green housing.  Now they are going to develop a site plan and budget estimate, based on more discussion of priorities, and I'll choose which features to include.  After funding and permits are secured, more detailed design will take place to determine exact measurements, interior layout and fixtures.

I came up with a top-view layout suggestion.  The unit to the right is the living space, and the one on the left is a garage with storage and shop.