Business Details
14 Years
experience
Custom Luxury Home & Commercial Architecture in Charleston, SC
At Swallowtail Architecture, we believe that exceptional architecture begins with deep listening and understanding. Since 2012, we have dedicated ourselves to crafting bespoke residential and commercial spaces that harmonize with the unique character of South Carolina's Lowcountry. Our approach prioritizes active engagement with clients to uncover their vision, translating personal aspirations into designs that balance aesthetic beauty with functional practicality. With decades of combined experience in coastal home design, historic preservation, and modern renovations, our team navigates complex zoning regulations and environmental considerations while maintaining a commitment to timeless elegance.Recognized nationally for design excellence, including accolades like Best Residential Architect in the USA, we integrate universal design principles to create spaces that adapt to clients' evolving needs across all life stages. Our work reflects a deep respect for local culture, environmental sustainability, and the artistry of architectural craftsmanship, ensuring each project enhances both individual lives and community landscapes.
Services
Custom New Homes
Historic Restorations
Whole House Renovations
Commercial Properties
Additions
Aging in Place Design
Character Lot Development
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- 20+ years of coastal architecture expertise with local Lowcountry knowledge
- Award-winning designs recognized nationally for innovation and excellence
- Specialized navigation of Charleston's historic design review boards
- Universal design integration for multi-generational living solutions
- Client-centered process with personalized attention from principal architect
Associations and certifications
- AIA (American Institute of Architects)
- LEED AP
- ArCH Awards
What people say
Seamless process
Vision exceeded expectations
Deep local expertise
Award-winning designs
Personalized attention
Services
Custom New Homes
Designing bespoke coastal residences tailored to individual lifestyles and challenging lots. Our process begins with in-depth client consultations to understand spatial needs, aesthetic preferences, and budget parameters. We specialize in maximizing Lowcountry vistas while adhering to strict environmental regulations, creating homes that blend timeless architectural elements with modern comforts through collaborative design development and construction oversight.
Historic Restorations
Revitalizing Charleston's architectural legacy through meticulous historic renovations. Our expertise includes navigating local design review boards while maintaining original character elements. We modernize structural systems and spatial layouts to meet contemporary living standards without compromising historical integrity, ensuring period-accurate material selection and craftsmanship that preserves community heritage and property value.
Whole House Renovations
Transforming existing homes to match evolving family needs and lifestyle changes. This service addresses complete spatial reconfigurations, from kitchen expansions to multi-generational living adaptations. Our team integrates universal design principles for aging-in-place solutions while maintaining architectural coherence, managing complex permitting processes, and coordinating with specialized contractors to deliver functional upgrades that enhance both aesthetics and property value.
Commercial Properties
Creating distinctive commercial spaces that reflect brand identity while optimizing functionality. We specialize in boutique retail, office spaces, and tenant improvements that balance aesthetic appeal with practical considerations. Our approach considers customer flow, zoning requirements, and operational efficiency while delivering designs that enhance business visibility and create memorable client experiences within Charleston's unique regulatory environment.
Character Lot Development
Maximizing potential of difficult coastal properties through innovative design solutions. Our team specializes in navigating Lowcountry-specific challenges including marsh proximity, floodplain regulations, and historic district constraints. We develop site-specific plans that optimize views and natural features while ensuring structural resilience, delivering customized layouts that transform challenging lots into exceptional living spaces while maintaining compliance with local building codes.
People
Rachel Burton
Founder & Principal Architect
Licensed architect with 20+ years of coastal design experience, AIA member, and LEED AP certified. Recognized nationally for design excellence, Rachel leads with a client-centered approach that combines technical expertise with artistic vision to create timeless Lowcountry architecture.
Sabrina Patel
Licensed Architect
Florida native with 15+ years in residential and commercial architecture. Specializes in translating client visions into functional designs while maintaining architectural integrity. Brings international perspective from humanitarian building projects in India to Lowcountry design solutions.
Lisa Tryssesoone
Architectural Associate
Belgium-trained architect with expertise in eco-renovation and urban design. Focuses on sustainable solutions that balance environmental considerations with aesthetic appeal. Active community docent preserving Charleston's architectural heritage while innovating modern design applications.
Brigitta Burton-Austrom
Office Administrator
Interior architecture graduate with commercial design experience. Manages office operations while applying design sensibilities to client interactions. Combines artistic talent with organizational skills to maintain firm efficiency and client communication standards.
Questions
What architectural styles do you specialize in?
We specialize in coastal, Lowcountry, traditional, and modern-beach styles for residential projects, with commercial expertise in boutique retail and office spaces that reflect brand identity.
Do you work on historic properties?
Yes, we have extensive experience with historic restorations and navigating Charleston's design review boards while modernizing spaces for contemporary living.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Charleston's barrier islands (Sullivan's, Kiawah, Isle of Palms) and Lowcountry regions including Summerville, Mount Pleasant, and Daniel Island.
How do you handle challenging lot designs?
Our team specializes in character lot development, using creative solutions to maximize views and functionality while complying with coastal regulations and environmental constraints.
Can you help with aging-in-place design?
Yes, we integrate universal design principles into all projects to create spaces that adapt to changing mobility needs across all life stages without compromising aesthetics.
What sets you apart from other architects?
Our client-centered listening approach, deep Lowcountry expertise, and recognition as Best Residential Architect in the USA distinguish our personalized, award-winning design solutions.
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.
