Residential Design.
Architecture. Permitting.
Built Around Your Vision.
Whether you're building a custom home, expanding your existing home, resolving city violations, or simply need professional plans to move your project forward, our team provides complete architectural design and permitting services throughout San Diego County.
From concept to approved plans — one coordinated process. Construction is executed by our sister firm ArkHaven Builders under a separate contract.
Full-service design + permitting.
Twenty services across design, permitting, corrections, and consulting — grouped by how they typically show up in a project. Design and permitting are handled by ADU PALS in-house; any construction is executed under a separate contract by our sister firm ArkHaven Builders.
01 Design + Planning
5 servicesCustom Home Design
Complete architectural design for new residential construction.
Full details →Home Additions
Second-story additions, room expansions, attached additions, and major renovations.
Full details →Whole Home Remodel Design
Thoughtful redesigns that improve functionality, flow, and long-term value.
Full details →Multifamily Development
Design and permitting for duplexes, triplexes, and large multifamily developments.
Full details →Urban Infill Development
Maximizing underutilized lots with efficient, code-compliant residential design solutions.
Full details →02 Specialty
4 servicesCommercial & Tenant Improvements
Design and permitting for office, retail, and tenant improvement projects.
Full details →Coastal Properties
Design and permitting expertise for coastal zones, including navigating Coastal Commission requirements.
Full details →Historic Homes
Sensitive design solutions that preserve character while meeting modern codes and historic guidelines.
Full details →Fire Rebuilds
Fast-tracked design and permitting for rebuilding homes lost to fire, with a focus on resilience and compliance.
Full details →03 Compliance + Corrections
4 servicesRed Tag & Code Violation Resolution
Helping homeowners resolve code enforcement issues, unpermitted work, and city violations.
Full details →Energy Retrofit
Design upgrades to improve energy efficiency, Title 24 compliance, and long-term performance.
Full details →HOA Approvals
Preparation of plans and documentation required for HOA review and approval processes.
Full details →As-Built Plans
Existing condition drawings for remodels, additions, refinancing, and permitting.
Full details →04 Permitting
3 servicesPermit Plans
Construction drawings prepared for city approval.
Full details →City Permit Processing
We coordinate directly with city departments until permits are issued.
Full details →Lot Feasibility & Site Planning
Evaluate setbacks, zoning, building envelope, and development opportunities before construction begins.
Full details →05 Additional Services
4 servicesInterior Design Coordination
Integrated interior planning to ensure cohesive, functional, and elevated living spaces.
Full details →Garage Conversions
Convert existing garages into functional living space or future ADUs.
Full details →Architectural Drafting
Professional construction documents for homeowners, builders, and investors.
Full details →Construction Consulting
Guidance before purchasing property, planning renovations, or beginning construction.
Full details →
One firm.
One accountability.
One coordinated project
ADU PALS leads design + permitting. Construction is handled by our sister firm ArkHaven Builders under a separate contract — coordinated from concept through completion.
San Diego permit fluency
Experienced navigating San Diego building departments — DSD, coastal, historic, unincorporated.
Faster approvals
A streamlined submission and correction process that clears permits meaningfully faster than the county average.
Clear communication
Weekly updates and a shared client portal through every phase — you always know where things stand.
Built-in construction insight
Residential specialists with practical construction experience — designs that build cleanly on budget.
Concept to completion
Two firms working as one project team — ADU PALS on design + permits, ArkHaven Builders on construction. No handoffs to a stranger architect or unfamiliar GC.
Not just homeowners.
Everyone who touches the property.
Six audiences we work with, day-in day-out — each with a specific process built around what they actually need from an architectural + permitting partner.
Homeowners
From first custom home to whole-home remodel — we work as the design and permitting arm you need.
Investors
Feasibility, entitlement, and permit-ready plans for value-add residential and multifamily plays.
Builders
Ready-to-build architectural and construction documents for your projects across SD County.
Realtors
Pre-purchase feasibility and as-built work that makes properties easier to price, market, and close.
Property Managers
Compliance work, code corrections, and improvement projects across managed portfolios.
Estate & Trust Reps
As-built plans, permitting cleanup, and code corrections to prepare properties for transfer or sale.
Have a project that isn't an ADU?
We can still help.
Whether you need architectural plans, permitting assistance, a room addition, custom home design, city corrections, or construction consulting — our team is ready to guide your project from concept to approval.