Commercial Architects in San Diego

Grow Your Business With The Help Of Our Expert Architects

 At Ten Seventy Architecture, we understand the unique requirements and challenges of commercial projects. Our experienced team of commercial architects in San Diego combines innovative design with efficiency and functionality to deliver outstanding spaces that elevate your business and impress your clients + customers.

How We'll Help You Impress Your Customers With Amazing Architecture

Our dedicated team of architects and designers is committed to guiding you through every step of your commercial project, from concept to completion.

We listen to your needs, understand your business goals, and strive to create spaces that not only look stunning but also contribute to the success of your venture.

With a track record of excellence in commercial architecture, you can trust us to bring your vision to life.

Watch the video in this section here to learn more about our signature architecture process that will allow you to design + build a high-end commercial space for your business in a timely, stress-free manner.

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Experience the Benefits of Working with Ten Seventy Architecture

When you work with us, you can trust that your new or reimagined space will be meticulously designed to amplify your business values, cater to your operational needs, and bolster your brand identity. Whether you prefer a cutting-edge modern aesthetic or a minimalist design, we strive to create a commercial environment that not only complements your business strategy but also enhances your customers' experiences.

Streamlined Project Process for Timely and Cost-Effective Results

Our well-defined creative process combines traditional architectural methods with cutting-edge design tools to deliver projects on time and within budget.

We involve you in every step, from design input to scheduled meetings, ensuring that your vision is seamlessly integrated into the final result.

Wanted to learn more? Click here to discover each step we run our commercial projects through to ensure a successful outcome for our clients.
Photo of a modern renovation project by ten seventy architecture

Realistic 3D Renderings and Models for Accurate Design Previews

Our design process includes the creation of realistic architectural renderings and models, providing you with an accurate preview of your project.

These visualizations enable you to better understand the proposed spaces and materials, allowing you to offer feedback and influence the design direction to achieve the perfect modern space for your business. The models serve as a tangible and interactive tool that allows us to explore alternative configurations and materials.

With these visualizations, we can address any potential challenges ahead of time, ensuring that we craft a design solution that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing for your business environment.
Photo of a modern home in San Diego designed by Ten Seventy Architecture

Stress-Free Permitting With The Help Of Our In-House Expert

Our in-house permitting expert will work to ensure that your project receives the necessary approvals with minimal delays. This prompt acquisition of permits will keep your project timeline on track, meaning your business can get up and running sooner, reducing potential revenue loss.

Our familiarity with the process means we can anticipate potential issues and address them proactively, further speeding up the process.

This streamlined approach to permitting gives your business a competitive edge, getting you into your new or renovated space as quickly as possible.
Photo of a modern ADU project in San Diego by Ten Seventy Architecture

How You Can Start Your Commercial Tenant Improvement Project in 3 Steps

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Learn More About Our Team of San Diego Commercial Architects + Your Project Options

Book A Free Consultation With Us to Discuss Your Project + Get Our Professional Opinion

Have A Detailed Project Plan To Design An Amazing Commercial Space To Elevate Your Business

Discover Our Impressive Commercial Architecture Portfolio

Explore a selection of our completed commercial projects to see how we have transformed spaces and elevated businesses in San Diego. From trendy office spaces to high-end retail establishments, our designs showcase our commitment to excellence, innovation, and client satisfaction.

Meet Our Talented Team of Commercial Architects in San Diego

Our team of highly skilled architects + designers brings diverse experience and expertise to every commercial project. Get to know the people behind our studio and discover why Ten Seventy Architecture is the go-to choice for businesses looking to elevate their brand through stunning architecture.

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

Shane Curry

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.  

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
Making Our Clients Happy

"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.

Got Questions? We Have Answers

How Much Does a Commercial Tenant Improvement Project Typically Cost?

Commercial tenant improvement projects can be pretty expensive so it’s important to have an understanding of the costs before you begin your project. To answer this question lets break the project into a few categories below.

Soft Costs include design, engineering, consultants, + permitting. Every project is different + will require different professionals. Most tenant improvement projects we work on include an architect (obviously), a mechanical / electrical engineer, + an energy consultant (who produces the “Title-24 Report”).

In California the submittal package for a permit can be pretty intensive so we have set a minimum fee of $20k for our architectural design package. We do offer commercial schematic design services for projects which don’t require a permit at a significantly discounted cost. Permitting is also a type of soft cost.

Permitting will vary greatly in price depending on the municipality + the type of permit. A Coastal Development Permit or Site Development Permit will be considerably more expensive than a more simple permit.

Hard Costs are directly related to construction including materials and labor. Since the beginning of the global pandemic construction prices have increased.

Currently in Southern California minimum construction costs are around $200-300 per square foot depending on the features + finishes of the project.

How Long Does a Commercial Tenant Improvement Project Usually Take?

When it comes to commercial tenant improvement projects, time is of the essence! You should start by requesting record drawings from the building owner or property management as they will be critical to modifying the previously tenant’s space.

Next we would schedule a time to measuring / documenting the existing conditions then we would researching relevant codes, + meeting with municipal staff to get clarification on development options.

Once we’re able to begin design we will go though a predetermined amount of meetings, progressing the design forward in each. The goal through this process is to move from more vague ideas to more detailed specifications.

Smaller projects can take as little as 1 month to design while larger projects will take longer.

When the design is completed we are ready to produce our architectural construction drawings + begin any engineering needed. This phase can take a month or so depending on the complexity of the project.

Now we’re ready for permitting! Permitting timelines are highly variable, ranging from as little as 3 months for more straightforward tenant improvement projects. Construction is also highly variable + will depend mostly on your general contractor. Even smaller construction projects will take at least 6 months. Larger projects can take a year or more to complete.

What Do I Need to Know About Permitting a Commercial Tenant Improvement?

The good news is you don’t need to know much about permitting your home. We can help you get your project submitted, then guide you though the entire process!  

It is important to understand the type of permit your project requires. At the most basic level, your permit will either be ministerial or discretionary.

Ministerial permits are much more straight forward + easier to achieve. Discretionary permits typically require more time, money, + more decision makers are involved in the approval + issuance.

Do You Offer Virtual Consultations?

Yes! We offer virtual consultations at an hourly rate.  

After you book a consultation + we discuss your project, if you’d like more specific information, please let us know so we can schedule a follow up virtual consultation. Book a consultation by filling out the form at the bottom of this page.

How Do I Start a Commercial Tenant Improvement Project?

You’re already in the right place! We should start your project with a conversation about your scope of work, budget, + timeframe. Book a consultation by filling out the form right below.