Ruland Design Group

Ruland Design Group is a San Diego-based architectural design firm specializing in ADUs and residential design. With more than 25 years of experience in San Diego County, the firm focuses on helping homeowners plan, design, permit, and prepare accessory dwelling units for construction. Ruland Design Group states that it has designed more than 700 ADUs in San Diego, with each project developed around the property owner’s goals, budget, site conditions, and design preferences.

An accessory dwelling unit — also referred to as a granny flat, casita, guest house, in-law suite, carriage house, garden cottage, or secondary dwelling unit — is an additional living space located on the same property as a primary residence. Ruland Design Group specializes in several ADU configurations:

1. Garage Conversion: An existing garage can be converted into an ADU, creating additional living space while making use of an existing structure. Ruland Design Group has designed numerous garage-conversion ADUs throughout San Diego.
2. Detached ADU: A standalone dwelling can be designed as a separate structure in the backyard or another suitable portion of the property. The firm evaluates site conditions, zoning, setbacks, and the homeowner’s goals when developing the design.
3. Attached ADU: An ADU can be integrated directly with the primary residence. Ruland Design Group develops the plans around the existing home’s structure, site, and applicable zoning requirements.
4. Above-Garage ADU: An additional dwelling can be designed above an existing or new garage, making efficient use of the property while preserving ground-level yard space.
5. Junior ADU: Ruland Design Group also provides design services for junior ADUs, which offer a smaller additional living space within an existing residential property.
6. Multifamily ADU: The firm also works with owners of multifamily properties, helping evaluate opportunities to add ADUs to properties such as duplexes, fourplexes, and larger apartment buildings.

What Ruland Design Group Offers Beyond ADU Design

Ruland Design Group provides a full ADU architectural design and permitting process, beginning with a free consultation. Its proprietary seven-step ADU Design Methodology is intended to take homeowners from the initial concept through approved plans that are ready for construction.

The initial planning process includes evaluating where the ADU can be located, researching zoning and municipal codes, assessing structural considerations, determining the project budget, and developing preliminary designs. The team then develops schematics based on the homeowner’s goals, property, budget, and preferences.

Ruland Design Group also assists with permit processing and city coordination. Once plans are finalized, the firm submits the design documents to the appropriate city and works with the building department to obtain the required permits. This allows the homeowner to move forward with a contractor once the plans are approved.

The firm does not position itself as the ADU construction contractor. Instead, once the design and permitting phase is complete, homeowners are ready to hire a general contractor. Ruland Design Group states that it works with experienced San Diego-area general contractors and can assist clients with contractor selection.

The company can also help homeowners consider financing options. During the planning process, RDG recommends determining the available financing early and can recommend lenders and financing options that previous clients have used.

Ruland Design Group places particular emphasis on budget-conscious design and avoiding permitting problems. Its team works to develop designs that fit the homeowner’s budget while navigating zoning, municipal codes, and permit requirements.