Since so much of a design gleaned from those aspects many consider "personal tastes", I'll mention a couple of things that will either make the build "easier" or more difficult for you as the maker.
1. Full tang bowie with a guard. There are a number of ways to pull it off, but take careful consideration in the design, so it will help, rather than hinder installing a "slip on" guard. Without careful consideration, the bottom of the ricasso (in front of the guard), and the bottom of the handle (behind the guard) can look way out of alignment (the bottom of the ricasso and bottom of the handle should "flow" into each other, without juts or jags.).
2. Be thoughtful/cautious about how the "rolls" in the bottom of the handle are placed. Considering this is a somewhat shorter bowie, the apperance/flow would look significantly better if you shorten the front "roll" on the bottom of the handle, and lengthen the rear one. Basically making the front roll a "one finger" type/size, and the rear roll a "three finger" type/size. With a bowie of the this size, making those minor adjustments will generally give it a more "flowing" appearance, and make it feel better in the hand.
Don't be afraid to experiment a bit with the handle length. I wouldn't go any longer then 5", but with only a 7 3/8" blade, slight shorter then 5" may enhance how balanced it feels in the hand.
Finally, I agree with the others concerning guard thickness..... I've always found it surprising that just a slightly "chunky" guard can make the overall knife feel "clunky"...... Nobody every complains about a knife being "light and fast".... but most are quick to point out when one feels "heavy and/or clunky".
