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.

A modern interpretation of a Cape Cod-style home in Mission Beach. Ground-up construction. Our 1st CDP. Construction ...
06/12/2026

A modern interpretation of a Cape Cod-style home in Mission Beach. Ground-up construction. Our 1st CDP. Construction was delayed but completed in 2022.

06/12/2026

This is another one that we wish was explicitly written into San Diego's municipal code.

Many residential zones are subject to additional height restrictions, called the Angled Building Envelope Plane (SDMC 131.0444). This code section creates an angled setback which is applied from the side or front.

Through conversations with Planning it was stated that this setback does not apply to ADU projects. Since this is such a critical component for designing ADUs on small lots, we went ahead and paid for a preliminary submittal to get confirmation on this question.

Here is the DSDs official answer as of Oct. 2024: "ADU’s and JADU’s are not subject to the Angled Building Envelope Plane as the ABEP imposes a larger setback than the state maximum four-foot setback. Guest quarters are still subject to the ABEP in SDMC 131.0444".



A minimalist ADU in Logan Heights. Displaying a saved Mario Torero mural of Prince.
06/11/2026

A minimalist ADU in Logan Heights. Displaying a saved Mario Torero mural of Prince.

06/11/2026

Why do development fees matter on larger projects?

As architects, we constantly work to prevent projects from becoming completely watered down. We advocate for retaining outdoor space, even if it means reducing the number of units, in order to provide meaningful amenities.

We believe developments should offer more than the cheapest possible solution. Upgraded features and thoughtful design matter.

9 new units in Golden Hill. Sunset views from the patios + balconies. Off-street parking with EV chargers. ...
06/10/2026

9 new units in Golden Hill. Sunset views from the patios + balconies. Off-street parking with EV chargers.

06/10/2026

We all need to operate from the same clear understanding of the building code.

At the beginning of every project, we review these regulations. When the code is unclear, we are forced to either design extremely conservatively or make assumptions. Both approaches introduce risk to the project.

While some level of risk is unavoidable in San Diego permitting, our responsibility is to manage it carefully and reduce it to the minimum.
Clear, understandable regulations benefit everyone involved in creating better projects.

Adding housing to Pacific Beach. CDP-exempt. Alley parking + exterior patio spaces for the residents. Should be a sho...
06/09/2026

Adding housing to Pacific Beach. CDP-exempt. Alley parking + exterior patio spaces for the residents. Should be a short walk to the surf.

06/09/2026

We can continue to add regulation after regulation, but there must still be room for people to create good projects.

When the financial realities do not work for homeowners, we see less organic development in neighborhoods and instead more large apartment style projects in places where they do not belong. We must allow architects the flexibility to do their work.

An unattractive structure on the block often makes the best homes around it look even more appealing.

We started with an American foursquare with multiple code issues in Sherman Heights. The design preserves the integrity...
06/09/2026

We started with an American foursquare with multiple code issues in Sherman Heights. The design preserves the integrity + character of the neighborhood while making 3 individual units for a multi-generational family. The project blends craftsman + modern styles, merging historic + new. Complementary yet distinct.

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?

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4411 30th Street
San Diego, CA
92116

Opening Hours

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

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