I went to school for Architecture & Civil Engineering an have been researching real estate investment for over a year.

I love homes with history and architectural detail and Louisville seem to have an unending supply of these. 

Don't have electrician hired yet because architectural plans not done yet.

Here's an example that is contempo, clean, simple, metal with wood (for continuity to the floor), and it mounts in the same way as your existing balustrade:https://www.hubush.com/modern-stair-railing-ideas/...The hanging fixture examples might be a bit ornate for your architecture.

A little bit about myself - My educational background is in architectural engineering with a focus in construction management.

I work for an architectural firm that does very large commercial construction.

Does that $4500 cost entail the CAD drawings, Engineer stamp, and Architectural stamp? 

They know all the current trends and can help you create a color scheme that's appropriate for your homes architecture and also help you with what local buyers are looking for.

My background is in multi-family development and architecture.

I am new to BP and am starting my own real estate development business while I continue my full time architecture job (corporate, mostly retail; not residential).