Thanks J.
Coyote, I wish you hadn't asked that question because it is one that I've been pondering for some time. Many similar barns used conduit to run the electrical -- usually very clean, straight lines; parallel or 90 degree; smooth cuvres where needed; etc. However, the wife was opposed to seeing wires, ducting, pipes, etc., at the beginnig. She may be softening a bit having seen some well-done conduit. For the moment, I'm thinking run as much of the utilities under the loft as possible -- the loft bathroom and kitchenette will be near the section of the garage that I plan as a mechanical room downstairs (electrical box, water heater, etc.), so that should help. If the bottom of the loft is insulated and covered, the wiring, piping, and such would be hidden.
Maybe I should have mentioned this earlier. I'm trying to come up with a means of keeping wiring out of sight as much as possible. One idea I had was to run a 1X6 horizontally somewhat above workbench height all the way around the walls, nailed to the posts; maybe even at the height of one of the girts. Then the electrical cable could be attached to the backside of the 1X6, outlets (maybe even switches) could be turned horizontally and easily fit into the 1X6 footprint, and everything would be out of sight unless you almost stuck your head against the wall.
But, I'm open to suggestions. We intend to walk through the barn soon with the electrician to get some ideas from him and make sure we stay within code. What do you suggest?!