Ten Seventy Architecture helps people who love modern + minimalist architecture overcome the challenges of building an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in San Diego. We combine a proven process and the latest technology to elevate our clients’ lives with incredible and functional designs.
If you’re looking for an expert ADU architect in San Diego to guide you through the process, you’ve come to the right place. With more than a decade of experience, our team makes the design + build easier and more efficient than ever.
Accessory dwelling units (also known as granny flats, in-law suites, companion units, and guest houses) have become very popular projects for homeowners and property investors alike.
An accessory dwelling unit is a worthwhile investment for those looking to maximize + modernize their living space or generate rental income. Planning an ADU build can feel overwhelming, with many options to consider depending on the size and orientation of your lot. An ADU can be built as part of an existing or to-be-built home, or detached and located as a separate structure from your main residence.
Ten Seventy Architecture will walk you through every option available for your project. All you have to do is share your vision + project goals with us and we’ll do the rest, from designing your ADU and securing the proper permits to finishing construction. Our team specializes in creating innovative ADUs, navigating the city’s notoriously complex codes to add extra design value to every build.
If you’re ready to take the next step, click the button below to schedule a complimentary consultation. We look forward to hearing what project goals you have in mind.
Considering building an ADU? Whatever your project goals might be, our modern architecture studio is here to help. We have 10+ years of experience creating dream homes in the San Diego area, custom-tailoring our designs to your project goals and needs.
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Looking for inspiration for your upcoming project? Our architecture studio has over a decade of experience helping our clients build modern + minimalist ADUs. We’ve even self-funded our own ADU project, the Prince House.
Our team of architects strives to form strong relationships with our clients to ensure successful final projects that improve your quality of life for years to come. We create modern + innovative designs with your project goals and feedback at the center of our work.
Sean is a 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 also won various awards for modern furniture he has designed.
California Registered Architect
LEED Accredited Professional
Bachelor of Architecture (NJIT)
Certification in Project Management (SDSU)
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)
Shane is the most senior Architectural Designer at Ten Seventy Architecture. He is assigned to larger projects which have high aesthetic requirements. Shane brings an expertise in architectural rendering to the Ten Seventy Architecture team. His design work is streamlined and considerate.
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.
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.
Get the inside scoop on building an ADU in San Diego with our complete guide. This free resource provides the latest information on city regulations and building codes so you can begin planning your project with ease.
If you're looking to save energy, money, and time, our ADU project guide is the perfect resource for you, detailing everything you need to know about building an ADU in San Diego.
This free resource includes San Diego's latest regulations for 2022, with the entire municipal code as well as visual diagrams and helpful explanations. It provides an in-depth overview of the technical codes with expert insight and recommendations for certain regulations that may impact your project.
With this guide, you can quickly assess the feasibility of your ADU, plot out a rough timeline, and be well-prepared to contact architects and get quotes. You'll be on track and ready to begin your ADU project in no time.
We specialize in modern + minimalist architectural design. On occasion, we work in other styles such as contemporary, prairie style, craftsman, or transitional.
Our designs start @ $12,000-15,000 for smaller projects.
Yes, we do! If you're interested in a virtual consultation you can sign up using the form at the bottom of this page. Once you reach out, we'll be in touch to schedule a meeting.
Yes! We have designed custom ADUs + can design one for you. Ask us about our predesigned 1-Bedroom / 1-Bathroom ADU, offered at a discount.
Yes! We've designed commercial tenant improvement projects over the last decade. We're happy to help you w/ your commercial project.
Structural engineering costs will vary depending on the design proposed. Permit fees are paid to the municipality, as well as cost to facilitate the permit process. Some projects may require energy calculations or additional engineering. More complicated permits may require additional presentation drawings.
Schedules will depend on the project scope. Generally, it takes around 1-2 months to create a design working w/ a client, then 1 month to engineer/detail the project.
Permits are charged by the municipalities + can vary greatly. New homes may be subject to additional municipal impact fees.
Standard projects not located in the California Coastal Zone can take around 3 months to permit due to the City of San Diego's new "streamline" #DigitalDSD process. Projects in the Coastal Zone or requiring a Site Development Permit can take around 8 months or more to permit.
We have won a few awards for modern furniture which we design by special request.