Home Architects San Diego

We Can Help You Design + Build Your Dream Home

Ten Seventy Architecture helps people who love modern + minimalist design overcome the challenges of building their dream homes. With more than a decade of experience, an integrated design + permitting process, and a full range of signature services, we strive to elevate our clients’ lives with sleek + functional modern design.

Whether you’re interested in building a new custom home, an ADU, or completing an addition, renovation, or remodel, we’ll work together to make your project goals a reality.

How We'll Help You Build Your Next Home Project

Our modern architecture studio has been helping our clients build modern, minimalist + mid-century homes for over a decade. At Ten Seventy Architecture, your needs are at the center of our client-centric design process. Whether you’re looking to build your dream home, expand or update your current living space, or utilize your lot for rental property opportunities, we have the expertise and experience to guide you through each step of the process. We'll ensure your project is completed on time and within your budget.

We know that getting started can be stressful with many decisions, building codes, and project steps to consider. As a full-service architectural firm, we've established a signature process that streamlines the workflow. You’ll share your vision and we’ll do the rest–from drafting designs and securing permits to finishing construction.

Wondering what our process looks like in action? Watch this video for a quick overview. And, if you’re ready to take the next step, schedule a free consultation and we’ll get in touch.

Book a Consultation

Types of Home Projects Our Modern Architecture Studio Can Help With


If you’re interested in starting a new home project, whether big or small, you’ve come to the right place. Our team has extensive experience working as home architects in San Diego and the surrounding area. We specialize in creating beautiful custom homes and ADUs, and enhancing existing spaces with elevated features that will impress the whole neighborhood.

High-End Design for Custom Modern Homes

Our modern architecture studio loves helping our clients build their dream homes from scratch. And, we've got a proven record of success to share. If you're looking for inspiration, check out our portfolio of modern, minimalist + mid-century modern homes.

Using our integrated design + build approach, the entire architectural process is streamlined from start to finish. We begin by developing a design that's tailored to your project goals, needs, and personal style. Then, we create an interactive 3D model using state-of-the-art technology that will allow you to visualize both the interior and exterior of your space. We'll make sure you feel confident in the design details before we move on to the final steps. And, what's better–we'll take care of everything for you in-house by navigating city codes, securing permits + partnering with expert contractors and engineers to begin construction.
Photo of a modern home in San Diego designed by Ten Seventy Architecture

Elevate Your Space with Renovations, Remodels, and Additions

Are you interested in transforming your home into a modern + functional space that's customized to your needs and lifestyle? Remodels, renovations, or additions are great options to reimagine the design and layout of your home while updating the existing structure.

Our modern architecture studio has established an integrated design + build approach that will make reshaping your current home a breeze. Our architects will work with you to retain elements of your home that you enjoy while enhancing its style, comfort + functionality with updated design + custom features. You'll share your project goals and feedback and we'll do the rest, staying within your budget and timeline. And, while improving your quality of life, these projects also add extra curb appeal and resale value down the line.
Photo of a modern renovation project by ten seventy architecture

Minimalist + Functional Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

If you're looking to expand your living space or build additional housing for rental opportunities, an accessory dwelling unit is a worthwhile, cost-effective option. ADUs (commonly referred to as granny flats, companion units, guest houses, and in-law suites) have become very popular in the San Diego area thanks to recently improved city regulations.

As home architects in San Diego, our team has been at the forefront of the city's ADU program. We've been monitoring the latest developments and building codes. And, recently we've even taken on our own self-funded ADU projects. This has helped us to master the design + build approach from both the client and architect perspective, in addition to offering sustainability options that reduce maintenance and utility cost on top of savings made possible by our proprietary design process.
Photo of a modern ADU project in San Diego by Ten Seventy Architecture

3 Simple Steps to Begin Your Home Architecture Project

Book a Consultation with Us

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

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

Have a Plan to Confidently Hire the Best Home Architects in San Diego for Your Project

See Our Portfolio of San Diego Modern Home Projects


At Ten Seventy Architecture, we love partnering with homeowners to design + build their dream homes. For more than a decade, we've worked on incredible projects from high-end custom homes and accessory dwelling units to modern renovations and additions. Check out our featured work below for inspiration on your next home project.

Meet Our Team at
Ten Seventy Architecture

Our team of experienced + certified architects believes that the best home design is one developed with our clients and tailored to their unique needs and lifestyle. We'll work with you every step of the way to create thoughtful + 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.

A Customized Roadmap to Build Your Dream Home

We know beginning an architecture project in San Diego requires a lot of research and planning. That's why our team of expert architects has put together a free "Dream Home" guide to help you navigate the entire process, saving time, money + stress along the way.

Everything You Need to Quick Start Your Home Architecture Project in San Diego

Are you eager to start that home improvement project? Maybe you’re gearing up to build your dream home. For projects big or small, our Dream Home Guide is a comprehensive planning resource that will get you up-to-speed on the process. You’ll find the latest building codes and regulations, expert money-saving tips, and insider secrets to secure extra design value.

Plus, this guide features a simple flowchart to customize your roadmap for approaching the design, permitting, and construction process. After reviewing our resource, you’ll save hours of planning and avoid project delays, unnecessary fees, and frustration. You'll feel confident and ready to hire the right team of home architects in San Diego for your project.

1070 Architecture Project Planning  Guide

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.