Is a local architect involved in the deign?

A 3D rendering would help because the roof usually looks more prominent on a 2D elevation. It's hard to tell what the pitch is and what it will ultimately look like in 2D. Personally, I love having minimum 9' ceilings so I would prioritize the interior over the exterior.

You need to have 3D renderings of the two configurations to accurately compare. A 3D model of a design is the standard today.

Agree on the 3D. Here is the lowered roof version, which I prefer, with a couple of changes.

Thank you all for the quick feedback. I'll review the model comparisons with the Architect.

Design all sides of the house at the same time. What looks well on the front elevation may not look or work as well on one or all of the other sides.

There are other factors involved with your question than just aesthetics.

I like this, with less foundation, a taller first floor window. Which btw thank to Rapp are much more suited to the exterior

Where is the garage pray tell?

Personally, I find nine feet on the first floor with 8' doors quite lovely, also saves kitchen cabinet agony. You mostly sleep on the second floor....really, eight feet is sufficient with 80 inch doors.More than that, demands larger rooms and plentiful windows or the proportions feel off.

Garage is detached off the rear of the house. Currently we have 10' on 1st floor and mostly 9' on the 2nd (outside the clipped areas or all 9' depending on how tall we go with).

You have neighbors? How far back from street or road? Nothing worse than lo000oming structure to close to either.

Really, at this point you need more context for the whole question : )

Consider nine feet tall ceilings on the first floor and eight feet tall ceilings on the second floor. Your architect should be designing the house to fit its site, and part of that is taking in account all the houses in the neighborhood. Jan is right.

Seems to be a very tall building so IMO the lower ceiling height in both places would help that . I thinl less point to the gables too.I do not like "clipped" ceilings they often dictate furniture placement and lighting just do a nice flat 8' ceiling the a really beautifully designed bedroom. FYI I love gray bedrooms and this is one of my faves , so elegant. Sorry off topic . Yes the building is too tall . I think bedrooms with vaulted ceilings rarely feel cozy either .