Sennikoff Architects: ADU Design and Residential Architecture in Long Beach
Sennikoff Architects is a California-based architectural practice with a focused scope of work that includes custom homes, residential remodels, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), residential care facilities for the elderly, and residential developments. The firm is led by Steven Sennikoff, a California licensed architect with nearly 35 years of professional experience in residential design.
Founded in 2009, the practice operates with a design-first approach, emphasizing collaboration and attention to each client's specific needs. The team includes a project manager, office manager, head of marketing, and a job captain with extensive drafting experience — giving the firm the capacity to manage projects from initial concept through permit approval.
ADU Services in Long Beach and Southern California
Sennikoff Architects has developed a particular focus on accessory dwelling unit design throughout Long Beach and the greater Southern California area. As an experienced ADU contractor and designer, the firm works with homeowners who are looking to add rental income, accommodate a family member, or increase the overall value of their property.
The firm designs several types of ADUs depending on the property and the homeowner's goals:
- Detached ADU — A fully separate backyard cottage or structure built on the same lot as the primary home
- Attached ADU — A unit connected directly to the existing residence
- Garage conversion — An existing attached or detached garage converted into a livable space
- Junior ADU (JADU) — A smaller unit created within the existing footprint of the home
Completed projects in Long Beach include above-garage living spaces, detached backyard units, and garage conversions. Each project is designed to complement the existing home architecturally, rather than feel like a separate addition.
Navigating the ADU process in Long Beach involves understanding local zoning codes, setback requirements, height restrictions, and utility connection rules. Sennikoff Architects guides clients through each phase of the project, including:
- Initial Consultation — Assessing the property and reviewing what is feasible under current Long Beach zoning regulations
- Schematic Design — Developing design options that balance the client's vision with practical and regulatory constraints
- Construction Documents — Producing the complete set of drawings required for permit submittal
- Permit Coordination — Managing communication with the City of Long Beach through the approval process
Rather than offering standardized plans, Sennikoff Architects produces custom designs for each accessory dwelling unit project, tailored to the specific property and the homeowner's lifestyle.
Additional Residential Services
Beyond ADU work, Sennikoff Architects handles custom home design, residential remodels and additions, and residential care facility design. The firm is also currently working with homeowners affected by the Eaton and Palisades fires in the Altadena and Pacific Palisades areas, assisting families with the rebuilding process — including design, permitting, and navigating hillside construction requirements.
Steven Sennikoff became a licensed architect in California in 1999, following nearly two decades working at a large Orange County firm where he rose to Design Principal and Managing Director of the Design Department. His background spans custom coastal homes, high-end multi-family communities, and award-winning residential projects across Southern California.
The broader Sennikoff Architects team brings together expertise in project management, architectural drafting, and documentation. Job Captain Dung Chau, who joined the firm in 2025, brings over 19 years of experience in architectural drafting and construction drawings, contributing to the technical precision of each project.
For homeowners in Long Beach and surrounding areas considering a detached ADU, garage conversion, granny flat, or in-law suite, Sennikoff Architects offers a structured, architect-led process from first consultation through final permit approval.
