I would highly suggest a architect they can really help see your vision through as well as improve it

This really irks me!. Here the city / state REQUIRES one to provide home inspection reports before the home owner can rebuild, but the plans (records) "seem" to disappear.

If the city/state requires/needs such data then it is their responsibly to obtain the data for an indefinte period....meaning, for ever.

EXACTLY the same song and dance in my city!

A qualified design/build remodeling company can come in and do the plans for you as well as complete the project. The project you describe is pretty straight forward and an architect is really not needed. One of the best advantages of design/build firms is that there is no loss of communication - the same company that helps you create the vision and plans does the construction work. They also have a much better idea of costs up front as the plans are built. You don't end up with plans for a project that you can't afford.