San Diego's housing affordability crisis has squeezed regular, everyday middle class people away from one of America's premier cities. As median home prices soar beyond reach, the American dream erodes for millennials and Gen Z.

Our focus is missing middle housing - the duplexes, ADUs, townhomes, and small multi-family projects that create naturally affordable housing while building genuine neighborhood connections.

Ten Seventy Architecture guides San Diego property owners through missing middle development.

We start with your specific project goals, design with the best typology that can be permitted, and handle everything from navigating complex regulations to delivering spaces that tenants love and neighbors welcome.

Together, we're building a more affordable, sustainable, and connected San Diego, one thoughtful project at a time.

An award-winning modern + minimalist architecture studio in San Diego.

Get To Know Us

Our Portfolio

Discover our award-winning projects spanning Custom Homes + Missing Middle Housing Developments across San Diego.

24th + F Street

Nine modern rental units bringing much-needed housing to Golden Hills. Solar panels, EV chargers, and one-third affordable rates prove density can be done right.

Crest Residence

Jaw-dropping Mission Bay views take center stage with massive retractable doors that dissolve the boundary between home and backyard. Minimalist design at its finest.

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Prince House ADU

Proof that small lots can live large. This compact ADU features vaulted ceilings, a reverse floor plan, and a preserved Prince mural honoring Barrio Logan's cultural legacy.

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Bancroft ADU

A two-bedroom ADU stacked over a garage that adds rental income without disrupting North Park's historic charm. Smart density for urban lots.

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Edinberg Residence

The ultimate San Diego indoor-outdoor experience with retractable glass walls opening to a private courtyard pool. An ocean-view rooftop deck tops it all off.

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The Signature
Design Process

Great design is inherently simple. Hiring a modern architecture studio should be too.

Step 1

Visit Our North Park Design Studio

Once you’re ready to get started, book an in-office consultation with us to talk specifics about your project and map out a strategy. 



We’ll give you our expert advice + honest recommendations regarding your project.

All backed up with a decade of experience successfully building + permitting homes and commercial properties in San Diego.
Step 2

Book a Design Consultation

Once you’re ready to get started, schedule a free consultation with us to talk specifics about your project and map out a strategy.

Afterwards, you will have a game plan to guide you the rest of the way and make the right decision when hiring an architect.

We’ll give you our expert advice + honest recommendations regarding your project.
Step 3

Confidently Start Your Architecture Project

After your consultation, you will have all the information you need to get started on your project and build an amazing, modern space tailored to your lifestyle.

We’ll answer any questions you have and help you devise a plan for ensuring your project doesn’t go over budget or ends up in a permitting nightmare.

Types of Projects We Can Help You With

From custom homes + remodels to missing middle housing developments, we design modern spaces that fit your goals while helping you navigate San Diego's complex permitting process.

Custom Homes

Custom Homes

Design a modern home built entirely around your lifestyle, from the ground up.
Remodels & Additions

Remodels & Additions

Transform your existing home with modern updates, expanded space, or a complete redesign.
Multi Generational Home

Multi Generational Home

Custom spaces for multiple generations to live together with privacy and independence.
Garage Conversion

Garage Conversion

Transform your garage into a rental unit or home office without major construction.
House Hacking

House Hacking

Add a rental unit to your property to offset your mortgage payments and generate passive income.
Attached Unit

Attached Unit

Add a connected but separate living space to your existing home for rental income or family use.
Detached Unit

Detached Unit

Build a standalone ADU on your property that provides complete privacy and independence
Duplex

Duplex

Two-unit building that maximizes rental income in neighborhood-friendly design.
Townhomes

Townhomes

Attached single-family homes with house living feel and shared wall efficiency.
Multiple Duplexes

Multiple Duplexes

Scale your investment with multiple duplex buildings for significant rental income.
Bungalow Court

Bungalow Court

Small homes clustered around shared space that builds community and density.
Multi Family

Multi Family

Apartment-style buildings with 3+ units for substantial rental income potential.
Live Work

Live Work

Residential and commercial space combined, perfect for entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Mixed Use

Mixed Use

Residential units with retail or office space to create walkable neighborhood hubs.

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.

"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.

"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.

"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.

Free Project Resources

Access our complete collection of planning guides covering everything from custom home design to ADU regulations and multi-unit development thresholds in San Diego.

Navigate San Diego's Critical Project Thresholds Like a Pro

Avoid costly surprises by downloading our comprehensive guide that identifies the seven critical thresholds that can make or break your San Diego project budget.

This guide will quickly get you up to speed on fire sprinklers, solar requirements, water meter triggers, occupancy classifications, and Coastal Development Permit exemptions.

After you review our guide, you'll know exactly how to design around expensive requirements before committing to an approach.

Download The Guide
1070 Architecture Project Planning  Guide

Your Complete Guide to Designing a Modern Dream Home in San Diego

If you're a homeowner in San Diego looking to remodel your current home or build a new one, you need a clear plan of action for your project.

This guide will quickly get you up to speed on everything you need to know before beginning your project and provide you with several insider tips for saving money and securing extra value.

After you review the guide, you'll be ready to hire an architect for your project with confidence.

San Diego ADU Guide Mockup Photo

The Illustrated Guide to Building ADUs in San Diego

Navigate San Diego's complex ADU regulations with confidence by downloading our complete guide to understanding the newest Accessory Dwelling Unit regulations.

This guide covers everything from site requirements and design considerations to permitting processes and budget planning, giving you the insider knowledge you need to make informed decisions.

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.