ADU Architect san diego

Design Your Dream ADU in San Diego with Our Studio

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.

Our Signature Approach to Building ADUs in San Diego

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.

Book a Consultation

Key Features + Benefits of Our San Diego ADUs

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.

Custom High-End Modern + Minimalist Design

Ten Seventy Architecture understands the importance of investing in an ADU that’s designed uniquely for you, reflecting your personal style and design aesthetic.

As ADUs become more popular in San Diego and southern California, you can rest assured knowing our designs will incorporate high-end details to make your home feel elevated + functional while impressing the whole neighborhood.

Our expert architects will share personalized options for your lot to add extra design value. You can level up your ADU with a two-story duplex, maximize space with innovative layouts, and make the most out of Southern California living with beautiful outdoor spaces like balconies and patios. We’ll help you bring your dream ADU to life, and the process to get there will be streamlined and stress-free.
Photo of a modern renovation project by ten seventy architecture

Our Signature ADU Design Process

Finding the right ADU architect in San Diego is an important first step to beginning your project. When you work with our modern architecture studio, we’ll translate your goals and needs into an actionable plan.

With our proprietary design + build process, we take care of everything for your ADU in-house–drafting a design, securing permits, and partnering with expert contractors and engineers. We use the latest 3D design and rendering software to help our clients visualize both the exterior and interior of their ADU. And, this technology is interactive, allowing you to explore the space virtually before we break ground.

We’ll gather your feedback throughout the process and incorporate any changes you might have before moving forward with the final blueprint. Your project will be fast-tracked, avoiding delays, unnecessary fees, and frustration.
Photo of a modern home in San Diego designed by Ten Seventy Architecture

Pre-Approved ADU Plans to Fast Track Your Build

Ten Seventy Architecture recently released pre-approved ADU plans that will help you jumpstart the design + building process. You’ll be able to build an affordable ADU with a modern + minimalist design for a fraction of the cost, taking months off of the standard timeline. These pre-designed, pre-approved plans come with many customization options to make the designs your own. Plus, they’re universal and can be customized to fit any lot in San Diego that qualifies for an ADU. 

The best ADU architect in San Diego for your job will have extensive experience with the ins and outs of the design + build workflow. Our team has recently begun self-funding our own ADU projects, giving us an enhanced perspective on the process and an advanced understanding of the city’s building regulations. We’ll pass these learnings on to you.
Photo of a modern ADU project in San Diego by Ten Seventy Architecture

3 Simple Steps to Build Your Dream ADU

Book a Consultation With Us

Learn More About Our Team of Expert Architects + Your Project Options

Schedule a Consultation to Share Your ADU Goals and Get Our Professional Advice

Have a Plan to Confidently Hire the Best ADU Architect in San Diego for Your Project

Check Out Our Portfolio of ADU Projects in San Diego

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.

Meet Our Team at Ten Seventy Architecture

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.

Founder / Principal Architect

Sean Canning

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)

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

10+ Years of Experience
Helping Home Owners Build ADUs +Granny Flats

"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.

"An element we loved about Sean was his ability to see creatively from the very beginning. And 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.

“5.000 stars. The recent opening of our ophthalmology practice has been a year in the making, and Sean Canning from Ten Seventy Architecture was integral to the successful design and execution of our space.”

Adam D.

“Highly recommend working with Sean, he is a licensed Architect who puts the customer's best interests first. I have worked with Sean on several projects, his thoroughness streamlines the project helping save money and time.”

Curtis P.

Our Comprehensive 
ADU Planning Guide

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.

A Quick Start Guide to Planning Your ADU Project

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.

San Diego ADU Project Guide Mockup

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of building a home addition in Los Angeles

Building a home or room addition in Los Angeles is a great way of adding square footage to your existing home. A room addition can make your home more valuable, both to you and on the market. Whether you need a larger family room, an in-law suite, or a home office, an addition can provide that extra room that improves your whole home.  We can help with every step of the process.

What does the design + permitting approach encompass?

Our integrated design + permitting methodology is a holistic approach where we manage your project from its conceptual phase right through to obtaining necessary permits. This ensures a streamlined, cohesive process, minimizing potential delays and ensuring consistency in the design and execution.

What type of room additions can you help with?

We can help you with any type of addition to your home. We work both with older homes and contemporary houses. We've found that almost every home and homeowner benefits from an addition to provide more space and create a larger area for loving your life and doing the things you love. Whether it is by adding space to the floor plan under one roof, or by adding a stand-alone ADU, an addition will also make the rest of the home feel more spacious.

Q3: Do you provide interior design services?

Yes, our team includes talented interior designers who work hand in hand with our architects to ensure the interior spaces are as meticulously planned and beautifully executed as the exterior.

Do you design Landscape Projects?

Certainly! Whether it's a residential or commercial landscape project, we've got you covered. In fact, we have extensive experience designing numerous commercial tenant improvement projects in the past decade. Feel free to reach out for assistance with your commercial project – we're here to assist you.

How do you handle unforeseen challenges during construction?

With our experienced team and proactive planning, we minimize unforeseen issues. However, in the rare occurrence of unexpected challenges, we address them promptly, ensuring transparency and communication with you throughout the process.

What’s the advantage of building an ADU?

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) can offer additional living space, potential rental income, or a separate suite for guests or family members. They also add value to your property. With Los Angeles' evolving regulations favoring ADUs, they've become a viable option for many homeowners.

How involved will I be in the design process?

We believe in a collaborative approach. Your inputs, preferences, and lifestyle are integral to our design process. We ensure regular updates and seek your feedback at pivotal stages, ensuring the final design aligns perfectly with your vision.

Do you offer remodeling services?

Yes, we offer all kinds of remodeling services. Our premier remodeling designers have been in the remodeling industry for many years, and will help you ensure you project goes smoothly and is delivered in time and on budget.

Whether you're interested in a complete home renovation, a new master bathroom, a new bedroom, a home and room addition, accessory dwelling units, or architectural design, we're here to help.

Our interior designers can help you with your bathroom remodeling, kitchen remodeling, custom home design, or your whole home remodel. Through our design and build process, we also support with home remodeling contractor contacts and management.

What Else Can you Design?

We're here to assist you with both your interior and exterior design needs. Our portfolio spans a diverse range of projects, and we take pride in our track record of producing exceptionally beautiful designs and architecture in San Diego. Here are some examples of the services we offer:

- Residential architecture
- Commercial architecture
- Coastal homes
- Mixed-use properties
- Site planning
- Student housing
- Interior design
- Feasibility studies
- New construction
- Historic restorations