What Tariffs Mean for Your San Diego Construction Project

By Sean Canning

In this second episode of the Ten Seventy Architecture Show, I sit down with Bailey to talk about something that’s been dominating the headlines lately — tariffs.

We keep it high-level and totally apolitical, focusing on how rising tariffs could affect construction costs here in San Diego and what we’re doing to help clients stay ahead of the curve.

The big takeaway?

If you’re planning a project, there’s no need to panic — but there are smart moves you can make now to set yourself up for success.

Because most projects take at least a year before construction actually starts, the current economic landscape may not be the one you’re building in.

Here’s what we cover:

  • Why form should follow finance in this moment — and how simplifying your design can reduce labor costs and complexity.
  • How to make use of San Diego’s permitting timeline by completing your design and then delaying permit issuance until you’re ready to build.
  • The value of designing for efficiency — from framing and plumbing to HVAC layout and material reuse.
  • Why sourcing local materials like concrete, block, or metal framing can help you dodge tariffs and support sustainable design.
  • The economics of solar in Southern California — and how changes in utility policy are making battery backups more important than ever.

We also break down one of my favorite case studies: The Prince House — a 580 sq ft ADU my wife and I designed, permitted, built, and lived in ourselves. It’s a great example of what I’d call cost-effective modernism — smart design, clean layout, no wasted space.

Whether you’re building a rental, your forever home, or something in between, the message is the same: start now. You can always scale, phase, or delay parts of the process — but the earlier you start, the more options you’ll have.

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