Business Details
14 Years
experience
Award-Winning Coastal Home Architects in Charleston
Swallowtail Architecture was founded in 2012 by Principal Architect Rachel Burton, who brings decades of experience in residential and commercial design. Our firm specializes in creating custom homes that harmonize with the South Carolina Lowcountry's unique environment, blending timeless elegance with modern functionality. We prioritize active listening to understand each client's vision, ensuring designs reflect their lifestyle, values, and aesthetic preferences. As local architects, we navigate zoning regulations, historic preservation guidelines, and coastal building codes with expertise, delivering projects that meet budgetary and functional goals.Our award-winning work, recognized nationally and internationally, emphasizes universal design principles, sustainable practices, and seamless indoor-outdoor living. We maintain transparency throughout the design process, fostering trust through clear communication and client collaboration. Our team's dedication to excellence has earned accolades including Best Architect in Charleston and multiple Houzz Service Awards.
Services
Custom Home Design
Historic Restorations
Home Additions
Commercial Architecture
Aging in Place Design
Barrier Island Properties
Marshfront Homes
Universal Design
Tenant Up-Fits
Community Projects
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We offer 15+ years of coastal architecture expertise with local Lowcountry knowledge
- Our award-winning designs combine historic preservation with modern functionality
- We implement universal design principles for lifelong home adaptability
- We maintain transparent budget management with 98% project completion on schedule
- Our team holds active licenses in South Carolina and Georgia with AIA certification
What people say
Award-winning designs
Excellent communication
Budget-conscious approach
Seamless process
Local expertise
Services
Custom Home Design
We create bespoke residential designs tailored to coastal lifestyles. Our process begins with in-depth client consultations to understand spatial needs, aesthetic preferences, and budget parameters. Designs incorporate Lowcountry architectural traditions while integrating modern amenities and sustainable building practices. Projects range from marshfront retreats to barrier island estates.
Historic Restorations
Specializing in Charleston's historic districts, we preserve architectural character while modernizing functionality. Our team navigates local design review boards to implement updates like expanded kitchens, updated bathrooms, and structural reinforcements. We maintain original details like heart pine flooring and transom windows while improving energy efficiency.
Home Additions
We design seamless additions that enhance living spaces while respecting original architecture. Common projects include master suite additions, multi-story expansions, and outdoor living areas. Our approach ensures structural integrity and code compliance while maintaining aesthetic continuity with existing structures.
Commercial Architecture
We create functional commercial environments that reflect brand identity. Services include tenant up-fits, new business construction, and adaptive reuse projects. Our designs balance zoning requirements with operational efficiency, creating spaces that enhance customer experience and employee productivity.
Aging in Place Design
Our designs accommodate changing mobility needs without sacrificing aesthetics. Features include zero-threshold showers, widened doorways, and multi-level living arrangements. We focus on creating adaptable spaces that support independent living through all life stages while maintaining elegant, cohesive design.
People
Rachel Burton
Principal Architect
Licensed architect with 20+ years of coastal design experience. Founder of Swallowtail Architecture in 2012. Specializes in Lowcountry residential projects and historic preservation. Holds AIA certification and multiple national design awards.
Sabrina Patel
Licensed Architect
15+ years in commercial and residential architecture. Graduated from University of Miami with Bachelors of Architecture. Focuses on client collaboration and sustainable design solutions. Active participant in community building initiatives.
Lisa Tryssesoone
Architectural Designer
Master of Architecture from Universit Libre de Bruxelles. Specializes in eco-renovation and adaptive reuse projects. Former urban sustainability consultant. Brings European design sensibilities to Lowcountry projects.
Brigitta Burton-Austrom
Office Administrator
Interior architecture graduate from Converse College. Manages office operations and client communications. Combines artistic background with organizational expertise to support firm operations.
Questions
What architectural styles do you specialize in?
We specialize in Lowcountry traditional, coastal contemporary, and historic preservation projects. Our portfolio includes Charleston single houses, marshfront modern designs, and barrier island retreats.
Do you work outside the Charleston area?
While based in Charleston, we work throughout the South Carolina Lowcountry including Kiawah Island, Isle of Palms, and Summerville. We also handle select projects in coastal Georgia.
What sets your firm apart?
Our unique combination of local knowledge, historic preservation expertise, and modern design sensibilities creates distinctive spaces. We maintain direct principal involvement in every project from concept to completion.
How do you handle zoning challenges?
Our team has extensive experience navigating local zoning boards and historic review committees. We proactively address setbacks, height restrictions, and preservation guidelines during the design process.
Are you currently accepting new projects?
We accept select new projects with start dates 3-6 months ahead. Current availability details can be discussed during our free initial consultation call.
What awards have you received?
We've received multiple Houzz Service Awards, ArCH Design Excellence Awards, and local PRISM and Pinacle Awards. Our work has been featured in Charleston Living and Home Builder's Digest.
