We Are a Creative,
Modern Architecture Studio Based in San Diego

Our Story

Sean + Margaret Canning are the owners of Ten Seventy Architecture. They first met while studying architecture at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), finding a shared interest in modern and minimalist architecture and design.

They both graduated with Bachelors of Architecture degrees. Sean relocated to Southern California while Margaret stayed to finish a Master's degree in Civil Engineering with a concentration in Construction Management, relocating to California the following year.

They are both LEED Accredited Professionals and have completed San Diego State University’s (SDSU) Certification in Project Management program. Sean has focussed his architecture career on design and construction, while Margaret learned the intricacies of the permitting process from 5 years of experience working for San Diego’s Development Services Department.

Together, their complementary skillsets make for a one-stop modern architecture studio.

Picture of Sean and Margaret together, the owners of Ten Seventy Architecture.

“Some People Just Want to Watch the World Build.”

Why We Started
Ten Seventy Architecture

Design Amazing Modern Spaces

We specialize in developing custom homes and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) that feature high-end, modern + minimalist design. Our mission is to create unique spaces for our clients within their budget that are tailored to their lifestyle.

Help Alleviate The Housing Crisis

The San Diego housing + rental market is very cost-prohibitive. This leads to many problems around homelessness and urban sprawl. To solve this crisis, the barrier to homeownership must be lowered and rents will need to be reduced. We aim to solve these issues by helping our clients design compact + multifamily homes.

Our Design Principles

Modernism

Architecture should reflect the function of the space. We strive to create functionally beautiful spaces.

Eliminating Unnecessary Ornament

We believe there's a purpose for everything. If there isn't, maybe it can be eliminated.

Dissolving the Interior-Exterior Threshold

Our studio is based in San Diego, California. We have the best weather in the country + we design accordingly.

Get To Know Our Team Of Residential Architects

We believe that the success of any architecture project depends on forging great relationships with our clients. Our goal is not to just create beautiful modern homes - but homes that are custom-tailored to the lifestyle of our clients, enhancing their lives every day. 

Founder / Principal Architect

Sean Canning

Sean is an award-winning architectural graduate of NJIT, where he studied architecture + industrial design. He relocated to San Diego in 2009 to open the boutique architecture studio, Ten Seventy Architecture, focussing predominantly on modern, minimalist, + creative architecture. Sean has received numerous accolades for his innovative designs in modern furniture.

  • California Registered Architect

  • LEED Accredited Professional

  • Bachelor of Architecture (NJIT)

  • Certification in Project Management (SDSU)

Profile Picture of Sean Canning - Principal Architect and Owner of Ten Seventy Architecture in San Diego, California

Project Manager / Permit Specialist

Margaret Canning

Margaret is also a graduate of NJIT, where she studied architecture + civil engineering. She relocated to San Diego in 2010 working at a LEED consulting firm before taking a job as a project manager in San Diego’s permit office for 5 years. Later she brought her skillset to Ten Seventy Architecture where she manages projects + permitting.

  • LEED Accredited Professional

  • Bachelor of Architecture (NJIT)

  • Masters of Civil Engineering (NJIT)

  • Certification in Project Management (SDSU)

Margaret Canning Profile Photo of Ten Seventy Architecture

Architectural Designer

Jen-Ni Lin

Jen-Ni is our Architectural Designer who works on projects which require greater graphic illustration. She works on our aesthetic commercial projects as well as small modern ADU projects that require tight planning and out-of-the-box thinking. Jen-Ni is a talented designer who can develop good ideas into beautiful architecture.  

Margaret Canning Profile Photo of Ten Seventy Architecture

Architectural Designer

Nolan Delgado

Nolan is the team’s Architectural Designer who works on custom residential projects which require the highest level of attention to detail. He has worked to refine our 3D printed study models as well as build templated architectural processes. Nolan brings a modernists rational to our projects.  

Margaret Canning Profile Photo of Ten Seventy Architecture

Architectural Designer

Shenzhou Dai

Shenzhou (Joe) is one of our most detail-oriented Architectural Designers. With a degree in architecture from the University of California, Berkeley, Shenzhou's work is highly aesthetic while conscious of appropriate + efficient building materials.

Types of Projects
We Can Help You With

Custom Homes

Accessory Dwelling Units

Additions / Renovations

Commercial Properties

Let’s Design Something Amazing Together.

We love working with clients that appreciate great design + modern architecture. If that sounds like you, let’s talk.

Contact Us