Get a good architect first and design what you need don't jump the gun. 

Quote from @Jared W Smith: In commenting on your 2nd point, an Architect familiar with development vs an Architect that does other types of work each have different skill sets @Robert Frazier. 

One of the head architects on the construction of the new business district/town center is Hickok Cole, making their recent 75,000 square feet of the new Virginia Tech office space acquisition very indicative of the seriousness of these development plans.

Lawyers, engineer, architect, expeditor, surveyors, etc pile on the fees quickly. 

If a licensed Architect is necessary, that could be the disconnect if your first "Architect" was not licensed.

I will be going down there in a couple of days, and interested in building/developing/investing, I am a licensed Mexican Architect, I have friends living there as realtors, US investors, and US builders ready to pull the trigger. 

I have moonlighted for several Architects and through hard work and good fortune stumbled on an opportunity to become an apprentice electrical engineer. 10 years later I am a senior engineer, together with my wife, have a decent portfolio of Real Estate.

I recently earned my real estate agent license in California, and I'm just one exam away from becoming a licensed architect here as well.

Get architect into the house when you are in escrow, get all drawings and site visit done while in escrow along with prep to submit once you close 2.

A good designer and architect are key for a successful project like this and keep in mind these aren't cheap.There's a lot more details to consider, feel free to DM me for more details.