Business Details
14 Years
experience
Custom Coastal Home Design in Charleston, SC
At Swallowtail Architecture, we believe that exceptional architecture begins with deep listening. Since 2012, our firm has specialized in crafting custom residential and commercial designs that harmonize with the unique character of South Carolina's Lowcountry. Our process prioritizes understanding each client's distinct vision, lifestyle, and aspirations, ensuring that every project reflects both personal needs and environmental context. With extensive experience navigating local zoning and historic preservation requirements, we transform challenging sites into functional, beautiful spaces.Our team combines decades of expertise in coastal construction, universal design, and sustainable practices to deliver timeless solutions. Recognized nationally for design excellence, we maintain a woman-owned perspective that emphasizes thoughtful spatial relationships and family-centric living. From new constructions to historic renovations, our commitment remains unwavering: to create spaces that enhance our clients' quality of life while respecting the region's natural and cultural heritage.
Services
Custom New Homes
Historic Restorations
Whole House Renovations
Commercial Properties
Aging in Place Design
Character Lot Development
Tenant Up-Fits
Public Sector Projects
Community Gardens
Eco-Renovations
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of coastal architecture expertise with local knowledge
- Our team holds multiple national design excellence awards
- We implement a patented listening process for personalized solutions
- We provide 24/7 personalized customer support
- Our designs integrate universal accessibility without compromising aesthetics
What people say
Listens to her clients
Top notch design work
Calm professional demeanor
Creative problem solving
Perfect fit for our needs
Services
Custom New Homes
Designing bespoke residences tailored to coastal landscapes and client lifestyles. Our process creates seamless indoor-outdoor flow while addressing zoning challenges and budget constraints. Specializing in barrier island construction with hurricane-resistant materials and elevated foundations that maximize Lowcountry views without compromising structural integrity.
Historic Restorations
Modernizing historic Charleston properties while maintaining architectural integrity. We navigate local design review boards to update infrastructure and functionality. Our expertise preserves original details like heart pine flooring and wrought ironwork while integrating contemporary amenities for 21st-century living standards in protected historic districts.
Whole House Renovations
Transforming existing homes to meet evolving family needs. We reconfigure floor plans for multi-generational living, add accessibility features, and update kitchens/bathrooms with modern materials. Our designs maintain Lowcountry character through porches, transom windows, and natural materials while improving energy efficiency and structural resilience.
Commercial Properties
Creating distinctive commercial environments that reflect brand identity. We design tenant up-fits and new constructions with attention to zoning compliance and ADA requirements. Our solutions balance aesthetic appeal with operational efficiency for retail spaces, restaurants, and professional offices in Charleston's barrier island communities.
Aging in Place Design
Adapting homes for lifelong accessibility without institutional aesthetics. We incorporate zero-threshold showers, lever-style hardware, and multi-level countertops while maintaining coastal elegance. Our designs address mobility needs through wider doorways and strategic lighting while preserving the home's original charm and character.
People
Rachel Burton
Principal Architect
AIA-certified architect with 20+ years coastal design experience. Founded Swallowtail in 2012 after working with prestigious firms. Recognized nationally for design excellence, including Luxury Lifestyle Awards' Best Residential Architect. Leads client consultations and design reviews.
Sabrina Patel
Licensed Architect
15-year commercial/residential design veteran with University of Miami architecture degree. Specializes in client communication and project management. Former mission trip builder brings humanitarian perspective to residential projects. Manages complex zoning challenges in barrier island developments.
Lisa Tryssesoone
Architectural Designer
Belgian-trained architect with mixed-use development expertise. Focuses on eco-renovation and urban sustainability. Serves as Charleston church docent, bringing historical context to preservation projects. Handles material selection and sustainability certifications for residential and commercial clients.
Brigitta Burton-Austrom
Office Administrator
Interior architecture graduate with commercial design background. Manages office operations and client communications. Coordinates project timelines and documentation. Provides continuity between design team and construction partners through detailed administrative support.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We specialize in Charleston's barrier islands including Sullivan's Island, Isle of Palms, Kiawah Island, and Daniel Island, plus Summerville, Mount Pleasant, and historic Charleston neighborhoods.
Do you handle historic preservation projects?
Yes, we have extensive experience with Charleston's historic design review boards and have completed multiple award-winning restorations in protected districts.
What's your design process timeline?
Projects typically take 6-12 months from initial consultation to construction documents, depending on complexity and permitting requirements.
Are you LEED certified?
Our principal architect holds LEED AP credentials and we incorporate sustainable practices in all projects while maintaining coastal architectural traditions.
How do you handle zoning challenges?
We proactively address FEMA regulations and local codes during design phase, leveraging 20+ years of experience with Lowcountry zoning requirements.
What awards have you won?
We've received multiple ArCH Awards, Houzz Service Awards, and were named 2024 Best Architecture Firm in Summerville and 2024 Best Residential Architect in South Carolina.
Reviews (1)
Enoch Sears
Dec 04, 2013
Report
I know Rachel Burton personally and always enjoy our conversations. She is passionate, bright, and committed to quality design and architecture.
