DETACHED ADU PLANS

Build An Amazing Detached ADU in San Diego With Our Plans

Ten Seventy Architecture combines a love of modern architecture, a proven process, and the latest technology to help our clients overcome the challenges of building an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in Southern California. With over a decade of experience, our architects navigate complex city codes to expand your space with elevated design.

Our newly released detached ADU plans make the process to get there easier and more efficient than ever. These plans are pre-approved and ​​expert-developed.

How Our Pre-Approved ADU Plans Will Fast Track Your Build

Detached ADUs (accessory dwelling units) are independent residential units located on the same lot as a stand-alone house, providing homeowners with space between their primary residence and an additional residence that can be occupied or rented.

These types of units are great solutions for those interested in maximizing their living space or investing for rental opportunities. Detached ADUs can add significant value to your property by expanding livable space within your lot, generating rental income, or providing a home for a relative.

If you’re interested in building a sleek + functional ADU, you’ve come to the right place. Ten Seventy Architecture has extensive experience developing accessory dwelling units in and around San Diego. In recent years we’ve even funded + built our own ADU, the Prince House.

Through this project, we created a universal design that has been pre-approved and can be customized to fit the size of your lot. We've also incorporated many personalization options to ensure your future ADU reflects your architectural style and goals.

Want to learn more about our detached ADU plans? Click the button below to schedule a complimentary consultation with our team.

Book a Consultation

Key Features of Our
Pre-Approved ADU Plans

These plans were developed with our clients in mind, designed to save you time and money every step of the way. With our detached ADU plans, you’ll begin your project with a sleek + modern design that has been pre-approved, incorporating complex codes and building regulations. 

High-End Design at an Affordable Price

Building an ADU is an exciting process that requires a great deal of research, with many architectural options and details to consider. We'll help you integrate high-end design, custom features, and elevated fixtures into our pre-approved plans while staying within your budget and timeline.

And, because these plans were created with the same modern + minimalist style as our modular ADU designs, you'll achieve extra design value at a fraction of the price.

Our detached ADU plans provide our clients with a customizable foundation that will speed up the process. We'll tailor the designs to fit the specifications of your lot's orientation and dimensions. With these pre-approved plans as the framework of your project, our architects can breeze through the design, build + permitting process.
Photo of a modern renovation project by ten seventy architecture

Customization Options as Necessary

Our modern architecture studio understands the importance of creating a space that reflects not only your lifestyle but also your personal style.

As accessory dwelling units have become more popular in Southern California, we’ve incorporated several customization options to make your ADU stand out as a neighborhood favorite.

Depending on the dimensions or orientation of your lot, these plans will give you the option to save space with smaller rooms, convert your dwelling into a two-story duplex, or create outdoor spaces with balconies or patios to enjoy the San Diego sun without increasing your lot's footprint.

Our team of expert architects has also mastered the city's building regulations and design process to increase the functionality + sustainability of your ADU regardless of its size and layout.
Photo of a modern home in San Diego designed by Ten Seventy Architecture

Save Time, Money, and Stress

Our pre-approved plans were designed to help you build an elevated ADU that showcases elevated modern + minimalist design without the expensive price tag and project delays.

By using one of our pre-designed ADU plans as the framework of your project, you can save upwards of $20k from our typical design + engineering fees.

And, when you purchase our detached ADU plans directly from us, you’ll be able to start construction on your project right away with an expedited schedule.

Without drafting your ADU from scratch, we can take 3-4 months off of our typical design timeline.

Because these plans have been pre-approved by the San Diego building department, you’ll be able to speed through the permitting phase with confidence and begin your build in no time.
Photo of a modern ADU project in San Diego by Ten Seventy Architecture

3 Easy Steps to Begin Your ADU Project

Book a Consultation With Us

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

Schedule a Meeting to Talk to Us About Your Project and Get Our Professional Advice

Have a Plan to Confidently Hire the Best Architecture Studio for Your ADU Project

See Our Portfolio of ADU Projects in San Diego

With over a decade of experience, Ten Seventy Architecture has become one of California's leading architecture studios dedicated to creating beautiful ADUs. Our portfolio highlights a diverse range of remarkable ADUs that we've built over the years. Explore these projects to appreciate the quality, style, and adaptability of our designs.

Get to Know the Team
Behind Our San Diego ADUs

Our modern architecture studio puts your goals and feedback at the center of every design.  We strive to create meaningful relationships with our clients by developing modern + innovative designs that will improve your quality of life for years to come.

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 Complete Guide to Planning + Building Your Dream ADU

Are you interested in building a detached ADU? Our comprehensive guide is a great place to start. Download this free resource to learn more about the process, including an in-depth overview of the latest regulations and municipal codes for San Diego.

Plan Your ADU Project with Our Quick Start Guide

Download Ten Seventy Architecture's free ADU project guide for everything you need to know before building an accessory dwelling unit in San Diego, including expert tips and tricks. Inside, you'll find a full overview of ADU municipal code along with explanations + visual diagrams to help you understand the process and how the latest regulations will shape your project.

After reviewing this resource, you'll be able to create a project roadmap to begin your ADU, saving time, money, and hours of research. From there, you’ll be ready to confidently hire an architect for your ADU project.

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