Not sure why UIView is being nudged up by around 10px

Answer 1

When using a UIViewController the normal way (i.e. pushing it on a UINavigationController), it adjusts its view's frame.

Since you're adding the subview manually, you have to adjust the frame yourself. The origin is in the upper right corner (at the top of the status bar). You want to shift your view 20 pixels down.

Answer 2

In interface builder, you can add Simulated Interface Elements that will appear programatically (such as the status bar or the navigation bar). In your inspector, select your view, and go to the Attributes tab. Here you can simulate The Status bar, a top bar, or a bottom bar.