Get a Complimentary Consultation With a San Diego Architect

Book a complimentary 45-minute consultation with our principal architect. Whether you're planning a custom home, ADU, remodel, or multi-unit development, we'll help you map out the right approach.

Discuss your project vision, budget range, and timeline expectations with a licensed architect

Get honest guidance on design feasibility, permitting requirements, and ballpark costs for your specific project

Walk away with a clear understanding of next steps so you can make an informed decision

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15+ Years in San Diego

50+ projects designed across San Diego, from custom homes to ADUs to multi-unit developments. We know the neighborhoods, the building codes, and the permitting landscape.

Integrated Design + Permitting

One team handles everything from concept through approved plans. Our permit specialist spent years working inside San Diego's Development Services Department.

Modern Design Specialists

Clean lines, open floor plans, indoor-outdoor connection. If you appreciate modern and minimalist architecture, that's all we do.

Featured Projects

A selection of projects we've designed across San Diego. From custom homes to ADUs to multi-unit developments, each project reflects our modern, minimalist design approach.

Client Testimonials

See what our client’s have to say about working with us.

"Sean and Margaret Have One of the Best Teams in Town."

They gave wonderful ideas and took the time to listen to my ideas. All of the plan designs were done according to schedule and they always responded to my calls or emails. If you want a professional who is on time and truly cares about your project, look no further and hire them!”
Valerie O.
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"Sean Is The Guy If You Are Looking For A San Diego Architect."

I was referred to him via a mutual business connection, and couldn't be happier with his work...The final product was phenomenal. I could not be happier. His work was not only exactly what I was looking for, but he did it in a timely fashion."
Alexandra G.

"I Highly Recommend this Company for Residential Architecture."

Ten Seventy Architecture was the architect for my wife and I's home in Mission Hills, CA. Sean went out of his way to provide a clear process from start to completion. Sean listened to our ideas and had even better ones for us to review and approve.
Curtis P.
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"Ten Seventy Architecture Is Very Easy To Work With."

They ask the right questions and take your needs into account when designing and are able to produce layouts that are functional. Their team is knowledgeable, creative and spot on. I always look forward to working on projects with them, it’s a collaborative effort from start to finish. Keep designing smart.
Brenda W.

"Sean Is Very Easy To Get Along With, Very Knowledgeable And Professional."

I worked with Sean in the renovation of my East Village house that is 100 years old. He is skilled in creating small but creative and functional spaces and he is practical in solutions. We have another project now and we would like to work with him again.
Sonya O.

"An Element We Loved About Sean Was His Ability To See Creatively From The Very Beginning."

I can tell you that when we walked out of the meeting with Sean, we both looked at each other and said: “That’s the guy we want” And we’ve had no regrets ever since.
Tom R.
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"Sean Canning Is An Amazing Architect."

As a landscape designer I have been on two projects transformed by his extraordinary design expertise. You should call Ten Seventy Architecture if you desire a vision for your home beyond anything you could have anticipated.
Brookside Landscape Design

They Are Very Professional And Just As Importantly, Very Creative."

"Working with the Ten Seventy Architecture team has been excellent. They have worked on various projects with us from our San Diego Penthouse to our Warehouse space."
Victor N.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions + answers about hiring an architect and starting a project in San Diego.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Architect in San Diego?

Architecture fees typically start around $20,000-$30,000 for design and permitting, but vary based on project type, scope, and regulatory complexity. Larger custom homes and multi-unit developments will range higher. During your consultation, we'll give you a ballpark based on your specific project.

What Types of Projects Does Ten Seventy Architecture Handle?

We specialize in custom modern homes, ADUs (1-12 units, from garage conversions to bungalow courts), major remodels and additions, and commercial projects. All with a modern, minimalist design approach.

What Happens During the Consultation?

You'll spend 45 minutes with our principal architect discussing your project goals, budget, and timeline. We'll give you honest feedback on feasibility, walk through permitting requirements, and outline next steps so you can make a confident decision.

Do You Handle Permitting or Just Design?

Both. Our integrated process covers design development through construction documents and full permit submittal. Our permit specialist has direct experience working inside San Diego's Development Services Department.

How Long Does a Typical Architecture Project Take From Start to Finish?

Timelines vary by project type. ADU design and permitting typically takes 3-6 months. Custom homes and larger developments can take 6-12 months through permitting. We'll give you a realistic timeline during your consultation based on your specific project.

Ready to Talk About Your Project?

Book your complimentary 45-minute consultation with Sean Canning, our principal architect, and get clear, honest guidance on your next move.

Upper corner of a pale yellow modern house with black-framed windows surrounded by green trees under a clear blue sky.
Modern two-story house with purple and gray exterior on a landscaped hill under a blue sky.
Modern white residential buildings with large glass windows, balconies, and a landscaped walkway with small trees under a partly cloudy sky.
Side view of a modern white house with large windows, a stepping stone pathway on green grass, and a shaded pergola with hanging spherical lights.
Modern two-story white building with a black garage door featuring large yellow face artwork, framed by green tree branches.
Modern two-story townhouses with large windows illuminated at dusk and blurred red tail lights of a passing vehicle in front.
Modern two-story house with large sliding glass doors, outdoor dining area, lounge seating, green lawn, and rectangular swimming pool.
Modern multi-level house with large glass windows, balconies, and outdoor patio area with railing and greenery.
Modern two-story white villa with solar panels on the roof, surrounded by greenery and featuring balconies, a pool, and pergolas.
Modern white villa at dusk with arched windows, balconies with greenery, an infinity pool, and two lounge chairs.
Modern backyard patio with wooden picnic table, white armchairs, concrete fire pit, and a dining area inside a glass-enclosed wooden structure.
Modern accessory dwelling unit with beige walls, sliding glass doors, small staircase, red chair, and a narrow path between two buildings.
Modern beige house with a wooden deck featuring chairs, a fire pit, a small pool, and lounge chairs under a pink sunset sky.
View looking up at a tall bamboo plant inside a modern courtyard with a blue sky visible through an open roof.
Modern white stucco house with arched wooden garage doors, central arched window, and wooden front door, surrounded by greenery.
Modern multi-level house with illuminated large windows and outdoor deck at dusk surrounded by trees and grass.
Modern open-concept house with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a stream with rocks and surrounded by greenery.
Modern two-story beige house with large windows on a sloped landscaped hill under a blue sky.
Three-story white residential building with multiple windows, balconies, and a wooden roof overhang against a blue sky with clouds.
Modern two-story house with wood panel accents, surrounded by lush landscaping with tall grasses, orange flowers, and palm trees.
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