Ten Seventy Architecture

Ten Seventy Architecture Ten Seventy Architecture is a modern architecture + design studio based in San Diego, California. The focus of our work is modern + creative design.

We help people who love modern architecture to overcome the challenges of building their dream home by offering an integrated design + permitting process so they can elevate their life to new heights. We believe form follows function + great projects start w/ strong conceptual development. Our modern architecture studio works together with our clients to develop modern custom homes and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) throughout the city of San Diego.

06/08/2026

Current building code requires a minimum of 60 square feet of private exterior space for each dwelling unit.

This is a sound policy in principle. Every unit should have meaningful outdoor space, and 60 square feet should serve as the absolute minimum.
However, when developing multiple units on a single lot, this requirement can become overly restrictive. If the required 6 by 10 foot space cannot be placed directly adjacent to the unit, even by just two feet, the unit cannot be built.

This is a clear example of overregulation. Plan reviewers in San Diego currently have no ability to apply reasonable judgment. Even when the intent of the code is clearly met, strict interpretation prevents approval.
In a housing crisis, we should ask: Is it not better to allow the unit with private space located two feet away rather than blocking construction entirely?

A Luis Barragán-inspired ADU in Logan Heights. The essence of private space + guest space. Simplicity. Completed 2022...
06/06/2026

A Luis Barragán-inspired ADU in Logan Heights. The essence of private space + guest space. Simplicity. Completed 2022.

Major remodel on an existing home in Oceanside. We have only worked on a few projects this close to the water. ...
06/06/2026

Major remodel on an existing home in Oceanside. We have only worked on a few projects this close to the water.



06/05/2026

There is often a call for more regulations to prevent unattractive buildings and apartment developments. We should reconsider this approach.

The housing challenges we face in California today stem largely from the sheer volume of existing regulations. The building code never shrinks. It only grows.

This growing regulatory burden raises barriers to new housing, lengthens review times, and slows construction.

Ground-up custom home in Coronado. They sure do hate roof decks over there for some reason. We snuck one in between th...
06/04/2026

Ground-up custom home in Coronado. They sure do hate roof decks over there for some reason. We snuck one in between the 2 gable roofs to get it approved. 😛 Project completed in 2022.



Project Irving in Logan Heights, San Diego. 5 total units, including 1 affordable. Completed using the City of San Die...
06/04/2026

Project Irving in Logan Heights, San Diego. 5 total units, including 1 affordable. Completed using the City of San Diego's ADU Bonus Program.

This project is designed in a modern / minimalist architectural style. The front structure is a duplex (one unit over the other), while the rear is 3 townhomes. The project includes parking at the rear as well as exterior space for the residents.



06/04/2026

With a single family home, you can build one detached ADU and then apply the ADU bonus program to add one or two more units. This helps dispel the myth that ADU bonus program projects are always massive. They can start at a modest scale and increase gradually from there.

The same tool allows for both larger developments and smaller projects that remain in line with the scale and character of the neighborhood.

Our firm specializes in R3 occupancy projects, typically single family structures or duplexes. We believe these fit more harmoniously within existing neighborhoods.


06/03/2026

A common concern raised by NIMBY groups is that ADU projects reduce privacy by overlooking a neighbor’s backyard. However, the same building height and massing can be achieved through a standard addition on a single family home. The only differences are typically a one foot reduction in side setback and a five to ten foot reduction in rear setback.

This means the same potential loss of privacy can occur even without any ADU or ADU bonus program. The privacy argument does not hold up.

06/01/2026

A growing challenge in architecture and development

It now takes longer to plan, check, and inspect a project than it does for a licensed architect to prepare all the construction drawings required for permitting. We’ve reached a tipping point: permitting a project is beginning to take longer than building it. Despite city streamlining efforts in 2020, permit timelines have doubled and fees have increased 3–5 times.
This is a systemic issue that deserves attention.

06/01/2026

🏡✨ Embrace the small home revolution in San Diego! As our city continues to grow, developing smaller, affordable homes is crucial to ensuring that everyone has a place to call their own. These innovative living solutions not only help keep housing costs down but also promote sustainability and community connection. Let's advocate for a future where homes are accessible for all! 💪

development

Join the conversation—share your thoughts on small living in the comments!

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4411 30th Street
San Diego, CA
92116

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Monday 7am - 5pm
Tuesday 7am - 5pm
Wednesday 7am - 5pm
Thursday 7am - 5pm

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