Additional Resources:
-Build a Classic Timber Framed House, Jack Sobon
-Timber Frame Construction, Jack Sobon and Roger Schroeder
-Building the Timber Frame House, Tedd Benson & James Gruber
-The Timber-Frame Home, Tedd Benson
(I usually go to amazon.com)

For Design, try The Not So Big House by Sarah Susanka

For Solar try The Passive Solar House by James Kachadorian, a system that really work by the way.

Most importantly, consider the services of a Timber Frame Designer (not necessarily an architect, experience is more important). See the Guild Resource Guide for names (or email me for a list). A good designer will help you determine the style of frame you're looking for, help you establish an appropriate enclosure system, assist you in adjusting your scope to your budget, and help connect you with an experienced timber framer to advise/support the more difficult joinery issues. Other services typically offered by a good designer include engineering, shoulder to cry on, marriage counseling, reassurance, foundation plans, and details.

Most importantly your designer must be an effective communicator and someone that listens and understands your needs, and follows up by integrating your wishes into plans. The most successful timber frame homes are designed with both the plan and frame in mind concurrently. Both plan and frame should be coordinated to play off of and emphaisize eachother's spaces and focal points.

You can tell when you get it right, because the pieces start to fall into place and the design takes on a life of its own....very exciting. But again, communication is the key. There are plenty of designers out there that are willing to work with owner/builders, but having a "clerk of the works" G.C. or Timber Framer is worth every penny. You'll recover both clerk and designer fees in savings from avoiding certain pitfalls, benefitting from advanced planning and most likely getting a more efficient design to fit your budget.

Good Luck!