Single-family house planning: help, tips, suggestions, criticism welcome

One more question. Would you put the garage on the east or the west side? Spontaneously, I would have said east side, since I only have morning sun there and therefore need windows more on the other side. However, an architect said that this needs to be considered. If I put the garage on the east side, the house is further on the west side and may block sunlight in the garden. What do you think?

East or West side ...

What do you think?

Where is north according to the above drawings?
Top of the plan?

Exactly, north is up.

Is there a more current status? Have you already submitted plans? Have you agreed on the stairs, gallery, etc.?

1st child: born end of 2015, doesn't do much yet except kicking, drooling, sleeping, and drinking
2nd child: still swimming as a tadpole in the Rhine

Super!!!

So, since we still have quite a bit of time as mentioned, we looked at more architects and then sorted them out thoroughly. What remains now is a freelance architect and a general contractor. The architect would be our favorite, but we can't manage the price with him. Therefore, it looks like he will be out. Last week I happened to come across a general contractor who is also near us. We have an appointment with him next week. We will probably decide between the two general contractors and then slowly start with more detailed planning. I think it will still take a while before anything is submitted. The area isn't even developed yet...