San Diego Architecture Firm

We're An Award Winning Modern Architecture Studio in San Diego.

Ten Seventy Architecture helps people who love modern architecture overcome the challenges of building their dream home by offering an integrated design + permitting process so they can elevate their life to new heights with incredible architecture.

See Why We’re a Leading San Diego Architecture Firm

We take the stress out of home building with our integrated design + permitting process, which helps you build a unique space that is tailored to you and your family’s lifestyle.

Whether you are looking to start a new home construction project, renovate/remodel your current home, or build an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), our San Diego architecture firm as the experience and expertise to get your project done right. We have been working on architecture projects in San Diego for over 10 years and are experts at navigating through the city’s complicated codes while keeping it simple for our clients.

Building or renovating your home should not feel like an uphill battle. After a decade of experience designing residential + commercial properties in the city of San Diego, we’ve developed a signature architecture process guaranteed to make your life as easy as possible.

Watch the video here to learn more about our client-centered design process. And if you're ready to take the next step, click the button below to schedule a complimentary consultation with us to discuss your project.

Book a Consultation

Projects Our San Diego Architecture Firm Takes Up

We are a modern architecture firm that helps our clients build new homes, renovate + remodel their current ones, and build additional units on their property with accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Our mission is to help our clients design amazing spaces that complement their unique lifestyles.

Custom Homes Featuring Amazing, Modern Design

If you're looking for a San Diego architecture firm that can help you build your dream home, look no further. Ten Seventy Architecture has been helping people in the area for over 10 years, and we know exactly how to make the architecture process simple and stress-free for you.

We'll work with you every step of the way to make sure your home turns out exactly how you imagined it. Thanks to our extensive design experience and permitting expertise, you can rest assured that we'll take care of everything for you.

We have a modern architecture portfolio demonstrating a wide variety of styles we've worked with - from modernism, mid-century to craftsman  + more. Our architecture firm has worked on several custom home projects in San Diego and knows exactly what it will take to ensure your new house is the best-looking one in your neighborhood.
Photo of a modern home in San Diego designed by Ten Seventy Architecture

Renovations + Additions That Will Turn Heads

For clients looking to remodel their home, we can help you add an addition for extra space and completely renovate the design of your current house.

We offer quality, modern design + construction services that can turn your old home into a beautiful space tailored to you and your family's lifestyle. Our signature architecture process ensures that there is a detailed discovery process so we can explore several different architectural styles and eventually pick the best one.

Once that is is complete, we will then work to efficiently design, build, and permit your project to get it completed as fast as possible. And throughout the entire process, we will keep you updated so you always have the latest news about your project.
Photo of a modern renovation project by ten seventy architecture

Amazing ADU Units With Timeless, Modern + Minimalist Design

Accessory Dwelling Units in San Diego are becoming extremely popular and represent a great opportunity to either add more living space to your property or enter into rental property investing for passive income.

Ten Seventy Architecture is leading architecture firm in San Diego when it comes to designing + building ADUs. We were one of the first firms in the city to focus on these types of housing projects, and as such have the most experience out of any other local architecture firm. Recently, we've even begun self-funding our own ADU projects in our personal time - giving us an enhanced perspective on building ADUs in this city.

If you're currently exploring an ADU project, check out our new ADU project guide which offers helpful visual explanations of the city's ADU building codes. We also regularly produce helpful content related ADUs on our modern architecture blog.
Photo of a modern ADU project in San Diego by Ten Seventy Architecture

How You Can Start Your Modern Architecture Project in 3 Simple Steps

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Learn More Our San Diego Architecture Firm + Your Building Options in the City

Talk to Us About Your Residential Architecture Project to Get Our Professional Advice

Have a Plan to Confidently Make a Decision and Hire an Architecture Firm in San Diego

View Our Portfolio of Modern Architecture Projects

Over the years, our San Diego architecture firm has worked on projects throughout the city featuring a wide variety of styles. We invite you to explore our portfolio to see how we've helped our clients transform their homes into the ones they've always dreamed of - and how we can do the same for you.

Get To Know Our Modern Architecture Team

We believe that the success of any architecture project depends on forging great relationships with our clients. Our goal is not to just create beautiful modern homes - but homes that are custom-tailored to the lifestyle of our clients, enhancing their lives every day.

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.

Discover How To Build Your Dream Home in San Diego

As a San Diego architecture firm, we believe we have a duty to facilitate the development of new housing to alleviate the housing crisis afflicting our city. That’s why we’re continuously producing helpful architecture content with the goal of making at easy as possible for homeowners and property investors to start new housing projects.

Everything You Need To Get Started Planning Your Modern Architecture Project in San Diego

Looking to save time, money, and hours of frustration? Then you need to check out our Dream Home guide that will help you build a new home or renovate your current one in San Diego.

Our guide features a simple flowchart that will help you quickly map out a smart strategy tailored to your project. By following this guide, you will be able to save hours planning your project. And once done, you will be able to confidently reach out to San Diego architecture firms and evaluate project proposals.

With this guide, you will be able to avoid project delays, hefty fees, and a whole lot of frustration. It’s the complete resource for getting a jump start on 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.