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 Past
ADU Projects

Looking for inspiration for your upcoming ADU project? Check out some of our past builds below, including our self-funded ADU, The Prince House. This project is a perfect case study for achieving high-end designs at a reasonable price.

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

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.

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 Architectural Styles Do you work In?

We specialize in modern + minimalist architectural design. On occasion, we work in other styles such as contemporary, prairie style, craftsman, or transitional.

How much does it cost to work w/ an architect in San Diego?

Our designs start @ $12,000-15,000 for smaller projects.

Do you offer virtual Architecture consultations?

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.

Do you design Accessory Dwelling Units / Companion Units?

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.

Do you design Commercial Projects?

Yes! We've designed commercial tenant improvement projects over the last decade. We're happy to help you w/ your commercial project.

What other fees are there?

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.

How long does it take to design something?

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.

How much do permits cost in San Diego?

Permits are charged by the municipalities + can vary greatly. New homes may be subject to additional municipal impact fees.

How long do permits in San Diego take?

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.

What Else Can you Design?

We have won a few awards for modern furniture which we design by special request.