As the others have said, laying spotlights all over a ceiling just looks brash. They are best around the edges of the room, where the light bounces off walls and serves to give a nice glow, rather than an industrial glare. And I would absolutely advise keeping the central fitting on a separate circuit for a statement pendant - or at the least advise leaving the wiring for that there and hidden in the ceiling, for the potential for one in the future.

Spots are massively overused - I have seen a load of period houses here in London made soulless by removing ceiling fittings and ambient lighting for a carpet of spotlights. spots are one aspect of a good lighting design, but should not light a room on their own - too harsh, too directional. Even in utility spaces like kitchens...

Really appreciate the feedback from all, meeting the lighting people this week, feel more confident that the design will work now. relief!

Also just to say, I think it's great that you are looking out for your client by researching and checking her designs independently. One of the reasons I like my builder so much is that he does not just slavishly do what I want: if he thinks something will look odd, he tells me. He's not always right, but he has been right enough times that we are finishing a project that we are both proud of, and also one on which we have really both felt engaged. It's a great result when client and professional co-operate in such a way - gives me (client) a really good feeling, which is what you want when doing your dream home!