Your 2nd floor loft seems rather useless. Changing the 2nd floor railing and adding a second window might work. I would consider incorporating what remains of the loft into the room on the right.

Thanks for the suggestion. It’s one I’d explore if adjusting windows was an option. Their location is fixed due to the exterior design. The loft is a smaller area, but I’m hoping it’ll be a cozy reading nook if we keep it.

If the ceiling height above the landing is 7'-0", the clear space directly above the first riser going up could be a code issue if it is less than 6'-8". Check with your architect, if you have one, or with the local code official.

IMO until the building is done there is always a choice for cahnges that make sense .The change PPF suggests is IMO the right choice and we cannot understand why it can't be done now in the planning stage since the exterior is always designed along with the interior .